Packaged microelectronic imagers and methods of packaging microelectronic imagers

Abstract

A microelectronic imager comprising an imaging unit and an optics unit attached to the imaging unit, and methods for packaging microelectronic imagers. In one embodiment, the imaging unit can include (a) a microelectronic die with an image sensor and a plurality of external contacts electrically coupled to the image sensor and (b) a first referencing element fixed to the imaging unit. The optics unit can include an optic member and a second referencing element fixed to the optics unit. The second referencing element is releasably seated with the first referencing element at a preset position in which the optic member is situated at a desired location relative to the image sensor.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/723,363 entitled “PACKAGED MICROELECTRONIC IMAGERS AND METHODS OF PACKAGING MICROELECTRONIC IMAGERS” filed Nov. 26, 2003, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is related to microelectronic devices and methods for packaging microelectronic devices. Several aspects of the present invention are directed toward packaging microelectronic imagers that are responsive to radiation in the visible light spectrum or radiation in other spectrums.

BACKGROUND

Microelectronic imagers are used in digital cameras, wireless devices with picture capabilities, and many other applications. Cell phones and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), for example, are incorporating microelectronic imagers for capturing and sending pictures. The growth rate of microelectronic imagers has been steadily increasing as they become smaller and produce better images with higher pixel counts.

Microelectronic imagers include image sensors that use Charged Coupled Device (CCD) systems, Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) systems, or other systems. CCD image sensors have been widely used in digital cameras and other applications. CMOS image sensors are also quickly becoming very popular because they are expected to have low production costs, high yields and small sizes. CMOS image sensors can provide these advantages because they are manufactured using technology and equipment developed for fabricating semiconductor devices. CMOS image sensors, as well as CCD image sensors, are accordingly “packaged” to protect the delicate components and to provide external electrical contacts.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a conventional microelectronic imager 1 with a conventional package. The imager 1 includes a die 10, an interposer substrate 20 attached to the die 10, and a housing 30 attached to the interposer substrate 20. The housing 30 surrounds the periphery of the die 10 and has an opening 32. The imager 1 also includes a transparent cover 40 over the die 10.

The die 10 includes an image sensor 12 and a plurality of bond-pads 14 electrically coupled to the image sensor 12. The interposer substrate 20 is typically a dielectric fixture having a plurality of bond-pads 22, a plurality of ball-pads 24, and traces 26 electrically coupling bond-pads 22 to corresponding ball-pads 24. The ball-pads 24 are arranged in an array for surface mounting the imager 1 to a board or module of another device. The bond-pads 14 on the die 10 are electrically coupled to the bond-pads 22 on the interposer substrate 20 by wire-bonds 28 to provide electrical pathways between the bond-pads 14 and the ball-pads 24.

The imager 1 shown in FIG. 1 also has an optics unit including a support 50 attached to the housing 30 and a barrel 60 adjustably attached to the support 50. The support 50 can include internal threads 52, and the barrel 60 can include external threads 62 engaged with the threads 52. The optics unit also includes a lens 70 carried by the barrel 60.

One problem with packaging conventional microelectronic imagers is that it is difficult to accurately align the lens with the image sensor. Referring to FIG. 1, the centerline of the lens 70 should be aligned with the centerline of the image sensor 12 within very tight tolerances. For example, as microelectronic imagers have higher pixel counts and smaller sizes, the centerline of the lens 70 is often required to be within 50 μm of the centerline of the image sensor 12. This is difficult to achieve with conventional imagers because the support 50 may not be positioned accurately on the housing 30, and the barrel 60 is manually threaded onto the support 50. Therefore, there is a need to align lenses with image sensors with greater precision in more sophisticated generations of microelectronic imagers.

Another problem of packaging conventional microelectronic imagers is that positioning the lens at a desired focus distance from the image sensor is time-consuming and may be inaccurate. The lens 70 shown in FIG. 1 is spaced apart from the image sensor 12 at a desired distance by rotating the barrel 60 (arrow R) to adjust the elevation (arrow E) of the lens 70 relative to the image sensor 12. In practice, an operator rotates the barrel 60 by hand while watching an output of the imager 1 on a display until the picture is focused based on the operator's subjective evaluation. The operator then adheres the barrel 60 to the support 50 to secure the lens 70 in a position where it is spaced apart from the image sensor 12 by a suitable focus distance. This process is problematic because it is exceptionally time-consuming and subject to operator errors.

Yet another concern of conventional microelectronic imagers is that they have relatively large footprints and occupy a significant amount of vertical space (i.e., high profiles). The footprint of the imager in FIG. 1 is the surface area of the bottom of the interposer substrate 20. This is typically much larger than the surface area of the die 10 and can be a limiting factor in the design and marketability of picture cell phones or PDAs because these devices are continually shrinking to be more portable. Therefore, there is a need to provide microelectronic imagers with smaller footprints and lower profiles.

Yet another concern of conventional microelectronic imagers is the manufacturing costs for packaging the dies. The imager 1 shown in FIG. 1 is relatively expensive because manually adjusting the lens 70 relative to the image sensor 12 is very inefficient and subject to error. Moreover, the support 50 and barrel 60 are assembled separately for each die 10 individually after the dies have been singulated from a wafer and attached to the interposer substrate 20. Therefore, there is a significant need to enhance the efficiency, reliability and precision of packaging microelectronic imagers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a packaged microelectronic imager in accordance with the prior art.

FIG. 2A is a side cross-sectional view and FIG. 2B is a top plan view of an imaging unit for a microelectronic imager in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a side cross-sectional view and FIG. 3B is a bottom plan view of an optics unit for a microelectronic imager in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a microelectronic imager with the imaging unit of FIG. 2A and the optics unit of FIG. 3A in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a microelectronic imager in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a microelectronic imager in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a microelectronic imager in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a microelectronic imager in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9A is a side cross-sectional view and FIG. 9B is a schematic top cross-sectional view of a microelectronic imager in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10A is a top plan view of an imaging unit and FIG. 10B is a side elevation view of an optics unit in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a microelectronic imager in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of an assembly including a microelectronic workpiece having a plurality of imaging units and an optics workpiece having a plurality of optics units in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a microelectronic imager in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of a microelectronic imager in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15A is a top plan view of an imaging unit for use in a microelectronic imager in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15B is a side cross-sectional view of an imager having the imaging unit of FIG. 15A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A. Overview

The following disclosure describes several embodiments of microelectronic imagers and methods for packaging microelectronic imagers. The microelectronic imagers accurately align a lens or other type of optic member with an image sensor on a die and/or accurately position the optic member at a desired distance from the image sensor. In addition to these aspects regarding the individual microelectronic imagers, many embodiments of the methods for packaging microelectronic imagers are directed toward providing wafer-level processes for forming referencing elements that reliably align the optic member with the image sensor and space the optic member apart from the image sensor by a desired distance with a high degree of precision using automated equipment. Several embodiments of microelectronic imagers and methods for packaging microelectronic imagers in accordance with the invention, therefore, are expected to significantly reduce the time for assembling microelectronic imagers and increase the accuracy with which an optic member is positioned at a desired location relative to a corresponding image sensor.

One particular embodiment of the invention is directed toward a microelectronic imager comprising an imaging unit and an optics unit attached to the imaging unit. The imaging unit can include (a) a microelectronic die with an image sensor and a plurality of external contacts electrically coupled to the image sensor and (b) a first referencing element fixed to the imaging unit. The optics unit can include an optic member and a second referencing element fixed to the optics unit. The second referencing element is seated with the first referencing element at a fixed, preset position in which the optic member is situated at a desired location relative to the image sensor. The first and second referencing elements, for example, can be keyed together in an interlocked configuration.

The first and second referencing elements can have several different configurations. In one embodiment, for example, the first referencing element has a first interface feature at a first reference location relative to the image sensor on the die, and the second referencing element has a second interface feature at a second reference location relative to the optic member. The first interface feature engages the second interface feature such that the first reference location coincides with the second reference location when the optic member is aligned with the image sensor and spaced apart from the image sensor at a predetermined location. The first and second referencing elements can be configured to mate or otherwise engage each other in only a single configuration in which the centerline of the optic member is aligned with the centerline of the image sensor and/or the optic member is at a desired focus distance from the image sensor.

In another embodiment of the invention, a microelectronic imager comprises a microelectronic die having an image sensor, a plurality of contacts electrically coupled to the image sensor, and a first referencing element fixed relative to the die. The first referencing element can have a first alignment component at a predetermined lateral distance from the image sensor and a first stop component spaced apart from the image sensor along an axis normal to the image sensor by a predetermined separation distance. The microelectronic imager can further include an optics unit having an optic member and a second referencing element connected to the optics unit. The second referencing element can have a second alignment component engaged with the first alignment component of the first referencing element to align the optic member with the image sensor. The second referencing element can further include a second stop component engaged with the first stop component of the first referencing element to space the optic member apart from the image sensor by a desired distance (e.g., the desired focus distance).

Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention involve using wafer-level processes to (a) form the referencing elements and/or (b) assemble the imaging units with the optics units. For example, a microelectronic workpiece can comprise a first substrate and a plurality of imaging units on the first substrate. The imaging units can each have a die on the first substrate and a first referencing element fixed relative to the die. The individual dies can include an image sensor and external electrical contacts electrically coupled to the image sensor. The first referencing element at each die has an alignment component at a predetermined lateral distance from the image sensor and a stop component at a predetermined elevation with respect to the image sensor. The individual first referencing elements can be formed directly on the workpiece or on covers over the dies before singulating the workpiece to separate the imaging units from each other. Therefore, the microelectronic workpiece can include a plurality of discrete first referencing elements associated with corresponding dies that are configured to receive second referencing elements of individual optics units to position individual optic members at a desired location relative to corresponding image sensors.

Further aspects of the invention are directed toward an optics workpiece having a plurality of optics units. The individual optics units can each include an optic member and a second referencing element. Still further aspects of the invention are directed toward a wafer-level assembly having a microelectronic workpiece with a plurality of imaging units and a plurality of optics units attached to corresponding imaging units before singulating the microelectronic workpiece.

Additional embodiments of the invention are directed towards releasably attaching the imaging units to the optic units. For example, one useful microelectronic imager includes an imaging unit having a first referencing element at a set location relative to the image sensor and an optics unit having a second referencing element detachably seated with the first referencing element. The first and second referencing elements are seated together at a preset position in which the optic member is situated at a desired location relative to the image sensor. The first referencing element can include a first engagement member, and the second referencing element can include a second engagement member releasably connected to the first engagement member. The first engagement member can be first threads and the second engagement member can be second threads engaged with the first threads until the stop components contact each other to position the optic member at a desired distance with respect to the image sensor. In other embodiments, the first and second engagement members can be a bayonet connection that releasably secures the first and second referencing elements together.

Specific details of several embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to CMOS imagers to provide a thorough understanding of these embodiments, but other embodiments can be CCD imagers or other types of imagers. Several details describing well-known structures often associated with microelectronic devices are not set forth in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the disclosed embodiments. Additionally, several other embodiments of the invention can have different configurations or components than those described in this section. As such, a person of ordinary skill in the art will accordingly understand that the invention may have other embodiments with additional elements or without several of the elements shown and described below with reference to FIGS. 2A-15B.

B. Embodiments of Microelectronic Imagers

FIG. 2A is a side cross-sectional view of an imaging unit 200 for use in a microelectronic imager in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Several features of the imaging unit 200 illustrated in FIG. 2A and other imaging units illustrated in later figures are shown schematically without cross-hatching. In this embodiment, the imaging unit 200 includes a die 210 having a substrate 212, integrated circuitry (IC) 214 integrated with the substrate 212, and an image sensor 216 operatively coupled to the IC 214. The image sensor 216 can be a CMOS device or a CCD for capturing pictures or other images in the visible spectrum. In other embodiments, the image sensor 216 can detect radiation in other spectrums (e.g., IR or UV ranges).

The imaging unit 200 further includes a plurality of external contacts 220 for carrying signals. The embodiment of the external contacts 220 shown in FIG. 2A provides a small array of ball-pads within the footprint of the die 210. Each external contact 220, for example, can include a bond-pad 222, a ball-pad 224, and a through-wafer interconnect 226 coupling the bond-pad 222 to the ball-pad 224. The through-wafer interconnects 226 can be formed according to the processes disclosed in U.S. application No. entitled Microelectronic Devices, Methods for Forming Vias in Microelectronic Devices, and Methods for Packaging Microelectronic Devices, filed on Nov. 13, 2003 (Perkins Cole Docket No. 10829.8742US00), which is incorporated by reference herein. Other embodiments of external contacts can include contacts having traces that wrap around the side of the substrate 212.

The imaging unit 200 can further include a cover 230 having a first side 231 facing generally toward the image sensor 216 and a second side 232 facing away from the image sensor 216. The cover 230 is mounted to a spacer 233 that circumscribes the image sensor 216. The cover 230 and the spacer 233 form an enclosure 234 for protecting the image sensor 216. The cover 230 can be glass, quartz, or other materials transmissive to a desired spectrum of radiation. In embodiments directed toward imaging radiation in the visible spectrum, the protective cover 230 can also filter infrared radiation or other undesirable spectrums of radiation. The protective cover 230, for example, can be formed from a material and/or can have a coating that filters IR or near IR spectrums.

FIG. 2B is a top plan view of the imaging unit 200 shown in FIG. 2A. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B together, the imaging unit 200 can further include a first referencing element 240 fixed relative to the image sensor 216 at a predetermined location. In this embodiment, the first referencing element 240 is a first stand-off section defined by a raised feature projecting from the cover 230, but in other embodiments the first referencing elements can be other types of supports. As explained in more detail below, the first referencing element is configured to receive a complementary referencing element of an optics unit in a fixed, preset position to accurately situate a lens or other optic member at a desired location with respect to the image sensor 216.

The embodiment of the first referencing element 240 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B has a circular shape circumscribing the area above the image sensor 216. The first referencing element 240 can include a first interface feature 242 having a first alignment component 244 and a first stop component 246. The first interface feature 242 can define a first interface area of the first referencing element 240. Referring to FIG. 2A, the first referencing element 240 is configured so that the first alignment component 244 is at a predetermined lateral location from the image sensor 216. For example, the first alignment component 244 can be fixed at a lateral distance D_L from the centerline C_L-C_L of the image sensor 216. The lateral distance D_L can be measured with respect to other features of the image sensor 216, such as the edge or a fiducial point, in lieu of or in addition to the centerline C_L-C_L. The lateral distance D_L of the first alignment component 244 is controlled to within very tight tolerances of approximately 50 μm, and more preferably within approximately 5 μm. The first alignment component 244 can be precisely positioned within such tolerances, or even tighter tolerances (e.g., sub-micron), using three-dimensional stereolithography processes and/or other processes. In other embodiments, the first alignment component 244 can be the outer perimeter surface of the first referencing element 240 or another surface at an oblique angle with respect to the image sensor 216.

The first stop component 246 is also at a predetermined spacing from the image sensor 216. The first stop component 246, for example, is spaced apart from the image sensor 216 by a fixed, preset elevation distance D_E. The first stop component 246 provides a fixed surface at a known distance from the image sensor 216 for accurately positioning a lens or other optic member at a desired distance from the image sensor. The first stop component 246 can alternatively be the lower “step” of the first referencing element 240 (identified by broken lead line) in addition to or in lieu of the stop surface 246 shown with a solid lead line.

The first referencing element 240 further includes an opening 248 through which radiation can pass to the image sensor 216. The opening 248 is generally sized so that the first referencing element 240 does not obstruct the image sensor 216, but this is not necessary. In several instances, the opening 248 of the first referencing element 240 is larger than the image sensor 216 to allow more light to reach the image sensor 216. The first referencing element 240, however, is generally not so large that it increases the overall footprint of the imaging unit 200.

The imaging unit 200 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is one subassembly of one embodiment of a microelectronic imager in accordance with the invention. The other subassembly of the microelectronic imager is an optics unit configured to interface with the imaging unit 200 in a manner that reliably and accurately aligns an optic member with the image sensor 216 and spaces the optic member apart from the image sensor 216 by a desired distance. One aspect of several embodiments of the imaging unit 200, therefore, is to provide a referencing element that interfaces with the optics unit in only a single position in which an optic member is situated at a desired location relative to the image sensor 216.

FIG. 3A is a side cross-sectional view and FIG. 3B is a bottom plan view of an optics unit 300 configured to be attached to the imaging unit 200 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In this embodiment, the optics unit 300 includes a substrate 310 and an optic member 320 on the substrate 310. The substrate 310 and the optic member 320 transmit at least the desired spectrum of radiation to the image sensor. The substrate 310 can be glass or quartz, and the substrate 310 can be coated to filter infrared radiation from the visible light spectrum. The optic member 320 can be a lens for focusing the light, a pinhole for reducing higher order refractions, and/or other optical structures for performing other functions.

The optics unit 300 further includes a second referencing element 340 attached to the substrate 310. The second referencing element 340 defines a second stand-off section. The second referencing element 340 includes a second interface feature 342 having a second alignment component 344 and a second stop component 346. The second alignment component 344 is spaced apart from the centerline C_L-C_L of the optic member 320 by a predetermined lateral distance D_I. The second stop component 346 is spaced apart from the substrate 310 and/or the optic member 320 by a second elevation distance D_e. As explained in more detail below with respect to FIG. 4, the second interface feature 342 of the second referencing element 340 is configured to mate or otherwise interface with the first interface feature 242 of the first referencing element 240 shown in FIG. 2A. The second referencing element 340 can also include an opening 348.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a microelectronic imager 400 including the imaging unit 200 of FIG. 2A and the optics unit 300 of FIG. 3A. In this embodiment, the first and second referencing elements 240 and 340 have steps that are seated with each other such that (a) the first alignment component 244 interfaces with the second alignment component 344 and (b) the first stop component 246 interfaces with the second stop component 346. The second referencing element 340 can be secured to the first referencing element 240 along the first and second interface features 242 and 342 using an adhesive (e.g., cyanoacrylate) and/or a welded connection (e.g., ultrasonic or thermal). The interface between the first and second alignment components 244 and 344 can align the centerline of the optic member 320 with the centerline of the image sensor 216. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, for example, the lateral offset distance D_L for the first alignment component 244 is at least approximately equal to the lateral offset distance D_I for the second alignment component 344 to align the optic member 320 with the image sensor 216. The interface between the first and second stop components 246 and 346 can similarly space the optic member 320 apart from the image sensor 216 by a desired focal distance D_F. The second stop component 346 can accordingly engage or otherwise interface with the first stop component 246 when the sum of the elevation distances D_E and D_e equals the desired focus distance D_F.

Several embodiments of the microelectronic imager 400 are expected to significantly improve (a) the accuracy with which the optic member 320 is aligned with the image sensor 216 and/or (b) the accuracy with which the optic member 320 is spaced apart from the image sensor 216 by a desired distance. One aspect of the microelectronic imager 400 is that the first and second referencing elements 240 and 340 can be fabricated using semiconductor processing technologies. This enables the referencing elements to be positioned and configured with very precise dimensions compared to manually installing the optical components in conventional microelectronic imagers. Another aspect of the microelectronic imager 400 is that the first referencing element 240 is keyed with or otherwise seated with the second interface element 340 in a fixed, preset position in which the first and second alignment components 244 and 344 interface with each other and the first and second stop components 246 and 346 interface with each other such that the optic member 320 is inherently situated at a desired position with respect to the image sensor 216. Thus, the embodiment of the microelectronic imager 400 shown in FIG. 4 not only increases the accuracy of aligning and spacing the optic member 320 relative to the image sensor 216, but it also enables smaller and/or higher performance packages because the first and second referencing elements 240 and 340 can be formed precisely to meet very demanding tolerances.

The embodiment of the microelectronic imager 400 shown in FIG. 4 is further expected to improve the efficiency of packaging imagers compared to the conventional imager shown in FIG. 1. First, a plurality of the imaging units 200 and the optics units 300 can be fabricated simultaneously at the wafer level using semiconductor fabrication techniques. Second, the optics unit 300 can be attached to the imaging unit 200 either individually or at the wafer level using automated equipment because the interface between the first and second referencing elements 240 and 340 inherently positions the optic member 320 at the desired position relative to the image sensor 216. The imager 400 accordingly eliminates manually positioning individual lenses with respect to imaging sensors as described above with the conventional imager shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, the structure of the imager 400 enables processes that significantly enhance the throughput and yield of packaging microelectronic imagers.

The embodiment of the microelectronic imager 400 shown in FIG. 4 can also be much smaller than the conventional imager shown in FIG. 1. First, the footprint of the imager 400 can be as small as the size of the die 210 because the die is not mounted to a separate interposer substrate. This is possible because the through-wafer interconnects 226 provide an array of ball-pads 224 on the backside of the die instead of using wire-bonds. Second, the height of the microelectronic imager 400 is also less than with conventional imagers because the imager 400 eliminates the interposer substrate. Therefore, the microelectronic imager 400 is expected to have a smaller footprint and a lower profile than conventional microelectronic imagers, which is particularly advantageous for picture cell phones, PDAs, or other applications where space is limited.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a microelectronic imager 500 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The microelectronic imager 500 has several features that are similar to the microelectronic imager 400 shown in FIG. 4; like reference numbers accordingly refer to like components in FIGS. 4 and 5. In this embodiment, the imager 500 has an imaging unit 510 including the die 210 with the image sensor 216 described above. The imaging unit 510 further includes a first referencing element 520 having a first interface feature 522 with a first alignment component 524 and a first stop component 526. The first referencing element 520 can further include an opening 528. The imager 500 further includes an optics unit 530 having a second referencing element 540 including a second interface feature 542 with a second alignment component 544 and a second stop component 546. The primary difference between the imager 500 shown in FIG. 5 and the imager 400 shown in FIG. 4 is that the first referencing element 520 of the imaging unit 510 is simply a footing in which the first alignment component 524 is an outer wall and the first stop component 526 is an upper surface.

The imaging unit 510 and the optics unit 530 are assembled by engaging the first referencing element 520 with the second referencing element 540 so that the first interface feature 522 is seated with the second interface feature 542. As explained above with respect to the imager 400, the alignment components 524 and 544 align the optic member 320 with the image sensor 216, and the stop components 526 and 546 space the optic member 320 apart from the image sensor 216 by desired distance. The imager 500, therefore, is expected to have many of the same advantages as the imager 400.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a microelectronic imager 600 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the imager 600 has several components that are similar to the imagers 400 and 500; like reference numbers accordingly refer to like components in FIGS. 4-6. The imager 600 can include an imaging unit 610 having a first referencing element 620 with a first interface feature 622. In this embodiment, the first interface feature 622 is a U-shaped channel having a first alignment component 624 defined by the inner side walls of the channel and a first stop component 626 defined by a floor of the channel. The imager 600 can further include an optics unit 630 having a second referencing element 640 including a second interface feature 642. The second interface feature 642 can include a second alignment component 644 configured to mate or otherwise interface with the first alignment component 624 and a second stop component 646 configured to mate or otherwise interface with the first stop component 626. The imager 600 operates similarly to the imagers 400 and 500.

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of an imager 700 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the imager 700 includes an imaging unit 710 and an optics unit 730 attached to the imaging unit 710. The imaging unit 710 includes the die 210 and a cover 712 over the die 210. The imaging unit 710 further includes a first referencing element 720 defined by a depression in the cover 712. The first referencing element 720 can be a groove, trench, hole, or other structure projecting into the cover 712. The first referencing element 720 includes a first alignment component 724 defined by a side wall of the depression and a first stop component 726 defined by either the upper surface of the cover 712 and/or a lower surface of the depression. The optics unit 730 can include a second referencing element 740 having a second alignment component 744 and a second stop component 746 configured to engage the first alignment component 724 and the first stop component 726, respectively. For example, the distal portion of the second referencing element 740 can be configured to mate with the depression in the cover 712 to situate the optic member 320 at a desired position relative to the image sensor 216.

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of an imager 800 having an imaging unit 810 and an optics unit 830 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention that is similar to the imager 700 of FIG. 7. The imaging unit 810 can include the die 210, the image sensor 216, the cover 230, and a first referencing element 820 on the cover 230. The first referencing element 820 includes a first interface feature 822 having a first alignment component 824 and a first stop component 826 defined by a distal projection of the first referencing element 820. The optics unit 830 includes a substrate 832 and the optic member 320 attached to the substrate 832. The optics unit 830 further includes a second referencing element 840 defined by a trench, groove or other depression in the substrate 832. The second referencing element 840, more specifically, includes a second alignment component 844 configured to engage the first alignment component 824 and a second stop component 846 configured to engage the first stop component 826 to situate the optic member 320.

FIG. 9A is a side cross-sectional view and FIG. 9B is a top cross-sectional view of a microelectronic imager 900 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. More specifically, FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9A-9A of FIG. 9B, and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9B-9B of FIG. 9A. In this embodiment, the microelectronic imager 900 includes an imaging unit 910 (FIG. 9A) having a die 912, an image sensor 916 on the die 912, and a plurality of external contacts 918 operatively coupled to the image sensor 916. The image sensor 916 and the external contacts 918 can be similar to the image sensor 216 and external contacts 220 described above with reference to FIG. 2A. The die 912 can further include an active upper surface 919.

The imaging unit 910 can further include a first referencing element 920 having one or more guides 921a-d (only 921a-b shown FIG. 9A). Referring to FIG. 9A, the guides 921a-b project directly from the upper surface 919 of the die 912 instead of projecting from a cover over the image sensor as shown in FIG. 2A. In other embodiments, however, the guides 921a-d can project from the cover 230 (shown in phantom) over the image sensor 916 instead of the die 912. Referring to FIG. 9B, the first referencing element 920 has first alignment components 924 at predetermined lateral distances from the image sensor 916. The first alignment components 924 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9B are perpendicular surfaces on each of the guides 921a-d. The first alignment components 924 can have other embodiments with other shapes that are at a predetermined lateral distance from the image sensor 916.

The imager 900 can also include an optics unit 930 having a substrate 932 (FIG. 9A), an optic member 934 (FIG. 9A) carried by the substrate 932, and a second referencing element 940 attached to the substrate 932. The substrate 932 and the optic member 934 can be similar to those described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-8. The second referencing element 940 includes a second alignment component 944 configured to seat with the first alignment components 924 of the first referencing element 920 to align the optic member 934 with the image sensor 916. The second referencing element 940 further includes a stop component 946 (FIG. 9A) contacting the upper surface 919 of the die 912. The second referencing element 940 accordingly has a fixed, predetermined height to set the desired spacing between the optic member 934 and the image sensor 916.

The microelectronic imager 900 can be formed by constructing the guides 921a-d directly on the die 912 at the wafer level before singulating the die 912. The optics unit 930 can then be mounted to the die 912 either at the wafer level or after singulation. The optics unit 930, for example, can be mounted to the die 912 by aligning the first alignment components 924 with the second alignment component 944 and moving the die 912 and/or the optics unit 930 until the first stop component 946 engages the upper surface 919 of the die 912.

FIG. 10A is a top plan view of an imaging unit 1000 and FIG. 10B is a side elevation view of an optics unit 1020 that can be assembled together to form a microelectronic imager in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention. The imaging unit 1000 is similar to the imaging unit 200 shown in FIG. 2B, and the optics unit 1020 is similar to the optics unit 300 shown in FIG. 3A. Like reference numbers accordingly refer to like components in FIGS. 2B, 3A, 10A and 10B. The difference between the imaging unit 1000 shown in FIG. 10A and the imaging unit 200 shown in FIG. 2B is that the imaging unit 1000 has a first radial alignment component 1010 in the first referencing element 240. The first radial alignment component 1010 can be a notch formed into the first interface feature 242. The optics unit 1020 is different than the optics unit 300 shown in FIG. 3A in that the optics unit 1020 includes a second radial alignment component 1030 configured to be received in the first radial alignment component 1010. The second radial alignment component 1030, for example, can be a key or tab. In operation, the optics unit 1020 is attached to the imaging unit 1000 by aligning the second radial alignment component 1030 with the first radial alignment component 1010 and moving the optics unit 1020 downward until the first and second stop components 246 and 346 engage each other. The interface between the first and second alignment components 244 and 344 laterally aligns the optic member 320 over the image sensor 216, and the interface between the first and second radial alignment components 1010 and 1030 radially aligns the optic member 320 with the image sensor 216. Moreover, the first and second stop components 246 and 346 space the optic member 320 apart from the image sensor 216 by the desired distance. The imaging unit 1000 and the optics unit 1020 accordingly provide an additional degree of alignment between the optic member and the image sensor.

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a microelectronic imager 1100 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Like reference numbers refer to like components in FIGS. 4 and 11. The microelectronic imager 1100 can include an imaging unit 1110 and an optics unit 1120. The imaging unit 1110 can include a first referencing element 1112 having a first interface feature 1114. In this embodiment, the first interface feature 1114 includes inclined surfaces 1116a and 1116b that intersect at an apex 1118. The optics unit 1120 can include a second referencing element 1122 including a second interface feature 1124 having inclined surfaces 1126a and 1126b. The first interface feature 1114 seats with the second interface feature 1124 to position the first and second referencing elements 1112 and 1122 in a configuration in which the optic member 320 is (a) aligned with the image sensor 216 and (b) spaced apart from the image sensor 216 by a desired distance. The inclined surfaces of the first and second referencing elements 1112 and 1122 inherently guide the optics unit 1120 into alignment with the imaging unit 1110. The imaging unit 1110 and the optics unit 1120 are accordingly expected to provide additional advantages for automated assembly of microelectronic imagers because the optics unit 1120 can initially be slightly offset as it is lowered onto the imaging unit 1110.

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an assembly 1200 including a plurality of microelectronic imagers that each have an imaging unit and an optics unit. The assembly 1200 includes a microelectronic workpiece 1202 having a first substrate 1204 and a plurality of imaging units 1210 formed on the first substrate 1204. Individual imaging units 1210 can include an image sensor 1216, external contacts 1218 electrically coupled to the image sensor 1216, and a first referencing element 1220. The first referencing elements 1220 can be similar to the first referencing element 240 shown in FIG. 2A or any other first referencing element described above. The first referencing elements 1220 can be formed directly onto the first substrate 1204 or on covers over the individual image sensors (see FIG. 2A). The first referencing elements 1220 can be formed at the wafer level using stereolithography apparatus and processes available from 3D Systems, Inc. of Valencia, Calif., as described in U.S. Pat. Nos; 4,575,330; 4,929,402; 4,996,010; 4,999,143; 5,015,424; 5,058,988; 5,059,021; 5,096,530; 5,104,592; 5,123,734; 5,130,064; 5,133,987; 5,141,680; 5,143,663; 5,164,128; 5,174,931; 5,174,943; 5,182,055; 5,182,056; 5,182,715; 5,184,307; 5,192,469; 5,192,559; 5,209,878; 5,234,636; 5,236,637; 5,238,639; 5,248,456; 5,256,340; 5,258,146; 5,267,013; 5,273,691; 5,321,622; 5,344,298; 5,345,391; 5,358,673; 5,447,822; 5,481,470; 5,495,328; 5,501,824; 5,554,336; 5,556,590; 5,569,349; 5,569,431; 5,571,471; 5,573,722; 5,609,812; 5,609,813; 5,610,824; 5,630,981; 5,637,169; 5,651,934; 5,667,820; 5,672,312; 5,676,904; 5,688,464; 5,693,144; 5,695,707; 5,711,911; 5,776,409; 5,779,967; 5,814,265; 5,840,239; 5,854,748; 5,855,718; and 5,855,836. The disclosures of each of the foregoing patents is incorporated herein by reference.

The optics workpiece 1230 can include a second substrate 1234 and a plurality of optics units 1240 on the second substrate 1234. Individual optics units 1240 can include an optic member 1250 and a second referencing element 1260. The second referencing elements 1260 can be similar to the second referencing element 340 shown in FIG. 3A or any other second referencing element described above. The second referencing elements 1260 can be formed on the second substrate 1234 at the wafer level using similar stereolithography processes and devices available from 3D Systems. As explained above, the first and second referencing elements 1220 and 1260 are configured to be keyed together or otherwise seat with each other in a manner that aligns individual optic members 1250 with corresponding image sensors 1216. The first and second referencing elements 1220 and 1260 are also configured to space the individual optic members 1250 apart from corresponding image sensors 1216 by a desired distance.

The imagers can be assembled by seating individual first referencing elements 1220 with corresponding second referencing elements 1260. In one embodiment, the first and second referencing elements 1220 and 1260 are seated together before cutting the first substrate 1204 or the second substrate 1234 such that all of the microelectronic imagers are assembled at the wafer level. Both of the first and second substrates 1204 and 1234 can then be cut along lines A-A and B-B to separate individual imagers from each other. In a different embodiment, the individual microelectronic imagers are formed by cutting the second substrate 1234 along lines B-B to singulate the individual optics units 1240, attaching the individual optics units 1240 to corresponding imaging units 1210 before cutting the first substrate 1204, and then cutting the first substrate 1204 along lines A-A to singulate individual imagers. In still another embodiment, the first substrate 1204 can be cut along lines A-A to singulate the imaging units 1210, and only the known good imaging units 1210 are then mounted to corresponding optics units 1240 either before or after singulating the second substrate 1234 along lines B-B.

The foregoing processes for assembling imagers are generally performed using automated processing equipment that can accurately cut the workpieces and assemble the optics units with the imaging units without human intervention. This is expected to significantly improve the throughput and quality control of manufacturing microelectronic imagers. The precise wafer-level formation of referencing elements that accurately position the optic members relative to the image sensors enables such automated wafer-level production of high performance digital image sensors. As such, several aspects of microelectronic imagers in accordance with the invention provide a significant improvement in packaging microelectronic imagers.

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a microelectronic imager 1300 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Like reference numbers refer to like components in FIGS. 4 and 13. The microelectronic imager 1300 can include an imaging unit 1310 and an optics unit 1320. The imaging unit 1310 can include a first referencing element 1312 having a first interface feature 1314. In this embodiment, the first interface feature 1314 includes a first stop component 1316 and a first engagement member 1318. The optics unit 1320 can include a second referencing element 1322 having a second interface element 1324 configured to mate or otherwise be seated with the first interface element 1314. The embodiment of the second interface element 1324 shown in FIG. 13 includes a second stop component 1326 and a second engagement member 1328. As explained above with reference to FIGS. 4-12, the first stop component 1316 is at a set distance from the image sensor 216 and the second stop component 1326 is at a set distance from the optic member 320 to space the optic member 320 apart from the image sensor 216 by a desired distance (e.g., the desired focal distance).

The first and second engagement members 1318 and 1328 are configured to at least generally align the optic member 320 with the image sensor 216 in a manner similar to the alignment components described above. The first and second engagement members 1318 and 1328 are further configured to releasably secure the first and second referencing elements 1312 and 1322 together. In one embodiment, the first engagement member 1318 comprises first threads and the second engagement member 1328 comprises second threads engaged with the first threads. In other embodiments, the first and second engagement members 1318 and 1328 can be splines, Morris tapers, bayonet connections, releasable adhesives, or other components that allow the second referencing element 1322 to be detachably seated with the first referencing element 1312 at the preset position in which the optic member 320 is situated at the desired location relative to the image sensor 216.

In operation, the optics unit 1320 is attached to the imaging unit 1310 by interfacing the first and second engagement members 1318 and 1328 until the first stop component 1316 contacts the second stop component 1326. At this point, the optic member 320 should be at the desired location relative to the image sensor 216. However, if the optic member 320 is not positioned correctly or if one of the imaging unit 1310 or optics unit 1320 is inoperable, the first referencing element 1312 can be detached from the second referencing element 1322 to separate the imaging unit 1310 from the optics unit 1320. This is expected to significantly reduce product waste and increase yield because if one of the imaging unit 1310 or optics unit 1320 is inoperable or does not meet specifications, the other can be salvaged. Moreover, this also enables minor adjustments between the optic member 320 and the image sensor 216 if needed to compensate for minor manufacturing discrepancies in the imaging unit 1310 and/or optics unit 1320.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an imager 1400 in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention. The imager 1400 includes an imaging unit 1410 and an optics unit 1460 attached to the imaging unit 1410. The imaging unit 1410 includes a first referencing element 1420 having a base section 1430 and an intermediate section 1440. The base section 1430 includes a first mounting interface 1432 having a base stop 1434 and a base alignment component 1436. The intermediate section 1440 includes a second mounting interface 1442 having an intermediate stop 1444 and an immediate alignment component 1446. The intermediate section 1440 further includes a first interface element 1450 having a first stop component 1454 and a first engagement member 1456. The first and second mounting interfaces 1432 and 1442 are seated with each other so that the base stop 1434 and intermediate stop 1444 contact each other such that the first stop component 1454 is at a set distance from the image sensor 216. Similarly, the base alignment component 1436 and the intermediate alignment component 1446 contact each other to position the first engagement member 1456 at a set lateral location relative to the center line or other reference point of the imaging sensor 216.

One advantage of the first referencing element 1420 is that the base section 1430 is relatively easy to manufacture directly on the substrate 212 or a cover (not shown) compared to the first referencing element 1312 shown in FIG. 13. More specifically, forming the first engagement members 1318 on the first referencing element 1312 shown in FIG. 13 may be relatively challenging and expensive. The first referencing element 1420 shown in FIG. 14 is expected to be easier to manufacture because the intermediate section 1440 can be manufactured separately from the substrate 212. This allows the first engagement member 1456 to be manufactured apart from the imaging sensor in a manner that is expected to simplify the process and reduce costs.

The optics unit 1460 includes a second referencing element 1462 having a second interface element 1464 configured to interface with the first interface element 1450. The second interface element 1464 further includes a second stop component 1466 and a second engagement member 1468. In operation, the first and second engagement members 1456 and 1468 are coupled together such that the first stop component 1454 contacts the second stop component 1466 to detachably retain the optics unit 1460 with the imaging unit 1410. The optics unit 1460 is accordingly releasably connected to the imaging unit 1410 with the optic member 320 positioned at a desired location with respect to the image-sensor 216.

FIG. 15A is a top plan view of an imaging unit 1510, and FIG. 15B is a schematic cross-sectional view of an imager 1500 having the imaging unit 1510 and an optics unit 1520. The imaging unit 1510 includes a first referencing element 1512 having an interface element 1514 with a first stop component 1516 and a first alignment component 1517. The optics unit 1520 (FIG. 15B) includes a second referencing element 1522 having a second interface element 1524 with a second stop component 1526 and a second alignment component 1527. The first and second interface elements 1514 and 1524 are seated with each other such that the stop components 1516 and 1526 position the optic member 320 at a desired distance from the image sensor 216. The first and second interface elements 1514 and 1524 are further seated with each other such that the alignment components 1517 and 1527 align the optic member 320 with the image sensor 216 along a desired axis or alignment path. The first and second referencing elements 1512 and 1522 accordingly position the optic member 320 at a desired position with respect to the image sensor 216 as described above.

The first and second referencing elements 1512 and 1522 are further configured to be detachably seated with each other with the optic member 320 in a desired location relative to the image sensor 216. In this embodiment, for example, the first referencing element 1522 further includes a first engagement member 1518 and the second referencing element 1522 further includes a second engagement member 1528 (FIG. 15B). The first and second engagement members 1518 and 1528 in this embodiment define a bayonet connection. The first engagement member 1518 can accordingly be a slot having a first section 1519a extending in a first direction and a second section 1519b extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The second engagement member 1528 can accordingly be a tab. In operation, the tab 1528 moves downwardly through the first section 1519a of the slot until the stop components 1516 and 1526 prevent further axial movement, and then the imaging unit 1510 and/or the optics unit 1520 is rotated to move the tab 1528 into the second section 1519b of the slot. The second section 1519b of the slot and/or the tab 1528 can have an inclined surface that drives the first and second stop components 1516 and 1526 against each other. Such an inclined interface will also create a releasable friction connection to further secure the first and second referencing elements 1512 and 1522 together. In an alternative embodiment, the first engagement member of the first referencing element 1512 can be a tab and the second engagement member of the second referencing element 1522 can be a slot having first and second sections. In still other embodiments, the first section of the slot can be inclined at an angle as opposed to extending vertically.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the first and second referencing elements can have any combination of the various features described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-15B, and features of any of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2-15B can be combined in still further embodiments. Moreover, many embodiments describe engaging the first and second alignment/stop components with each other to mean contacting or otherwise juxtaposing the components with each other either with or without an adhesive between the first and second alignment/stop components. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A microelectronic imager, comprising:

an imaging unit including (a) a microelectronic die with an image sensor and a plurality of external contacts electrically coupled to the image sensor, and (b) a first referencing element at a set location relative to the image sensor; and

an optics unit having an optic member and a second referencing element at a set location with respect to the optics unit, the second referencing element being detachably seated with the first referencing element at a preset position in which the optic member is situated at a desired location relative to the image sensor.

2. The imager of claim 1 wherein the first referencing element further comprises a first engagement member and the second referencing element further comprises a second engagement member engaged with the first engagement member, and wherein the first and second engagement members are configured to releasably secure the first and second referencing elements together.

3. The imager of claim 1 wherein the first engagement member comprises first threads and the second engagement member comprises second threads.

4. The imager of claim 3 wherein the first referencing element further comprises a first stop component at a preset distance from the image sensor and the second referencing element further comprises a second stop component at preset distance from the optic member, and wherein the first and second stop components contact each other to position the optic member at a predetermined distance from the image sensor.

5. The imager of claim 1 wherein:

the first referencing element further comprises a base section attached to the imaging unit, an intermediate section mounted to the base section, and a first engagement member at the intermediate section; and

the second referencing element further comprises a second engagement member engaged with the first engagement member, and wherein the first and second engagement members are configured to releasably secure the intermediate section to the second referencing element.

6. The imager of claim 5 wherein the first engagement member comprises first threads and the second engagement member comprises second threads engaged with the first threads.

7. The imager of claim 5 wherein the first and second engagement members are a bayonet connection.

8. The imager of claim 5 wherein the base section has a base stop at a preset distance from a focal plane of the image sensor and the intermediate section has an intermediate stop in contact with the base stop to register the intermediate section to the focal plane of the image sensor.

9. The imager of claim 5 wherein:

the base section has a base stop at a preset distance from the image sensor;

the intermediate section has an intermediate stop and a first stop component at a preset distance from the intermediate stop, and the base stop contacts the intermediate stop to space the first stop component from the image sensor by a preset distance; and

the second referencing element further comprises a second stop component engaged with the first stop component to space the optic member apart from the image sensor by a desired distance.

10. The imager of claim 5 wherein the first engagement member comprises one of a slot or a tab, and the second engagement member comprises the other of the slot or the tab, and wherein the slot receives the tab.

11. The imager of claim 10 wherein the slot has a first portion and a second portion extending transverse to the first portion.

12. The imager of claim 1 wherein:

the first referencing element has a first interface feature at a first reference location relative to the image sensor on the die;

the second referencing element has a second interface feature at a second reference location relative to the optic member; and

the first interface feature is engaged with the second interface feature with the first reference location coinciding with the second reference location whereby the optic member is aligned with the image sensor and positioned at a desired distance from the image sensor.

13. The imager of claim 1 wherein:

the first referencing element comprises a first support projecting from the die, the first support having a first alignment component at a preset lateral location from the image sensor and a first stop component at a fixed, preset elevation from the image sensor; and

the second referencing element comprises a second support fixed to the optics unit, the second support having (a) a second alignment component juxtaposed to the first alignment component to align the optic member with a centerline of the image sensor, and (b) a second stop component juxtaposed to the first stop component to space the optic member apart from the image sensor by a desired distance.

14. The imager of claim 1 wherein:

the imaging unit further comprises a cover over the die;

the first referencing element comprises a first support projecting from the cover, the first support having a first alignment component at a preset lateral location from the image sensor and a first stop component at a fixed, preset elevation from the image sensor; and

the second referencing element comprises a second support projecting from the optics unit, the second support having (a) a second alignment component juxtaposed to the first alignment component to align the optic member with a centerline of the image sensor, and (b) a second stop component juxtaposed to the first stop component to space the optic member apart from the image sensor by a desired distance.

15. The imager of claim 1 wherein the first referencing element comprises a first support on the die around the image sensor and the second referencing element comprises a second support on the optics unit around the optic member, and the first support on the die is mated with the second support on the optics unit.

16. The imager of claim 1 wherein:

the imaging unit further comprises a cover over the image sensor; and

the first referencing element comprises a first support on the cover and the second referencing element comprises a second support on the optics unit around the optic member, and the first support on the cover is mated with the second support on the optics unit.

17. The imager of claim 1 wherein the first referencing element comprises a first support having a first step and the second referencing element comprises a second support having a second step mated with the first step of the first support.

18. The imager of claim 1 wherein one of the first or second referencing elements comprises a channel and the other of the first or second referencing elements comprises a projection received in the channel.

19. The imager of claim 1 wherein:

the imaging unit further comprises a cover over the image sensor;

the first referencing element comprises a depression in the cover; and

the second referencing element comprises a support having a distal protrusion received in the depression in the cover.

20. The imager of claim 1 wherein:

the imaging unit further comprises a cover over the image sensor;

the optics unit further comprises a substrate carrying the optic member;

the first referencing element comprises a support projecting from the cover and having a distal protrusion; and

the second referencing element comprises a depression in the substrate in which the distal protrusion of the support is received.

21. The imager of claim 1 wherein the first referencing element comprises a plurality of guides projecting from one of the die or a cover over the die, and the second referencing element comprises a support extending from the optics unit that has bearing surfaces juxtaposed with the guides.

22. The imager of claim 1 wherein the first referencing element comprises a first support projecting from one of the die or a cover over the die and a first radial alignment component at the support, and the second referencing element comprises a second support projecting from the optics unit and a second radial alignment component at the second support, and wherein the first and second radial alignment components are aligned to radially align the optic member with the image sensor.

23. The imager of claim 1 wherein the first referencing element comprises a first support projecting from one of the die or a cover over the die and the second referencing element comprises a second support projecting from the optics unit, the first support having a first inclined surface, and the second support having a complementary inclined surface engaging the first inclined surface.

24. A microelectronic imager, comprising:

a microelectronic die having an image sensor and a plurality of contacts electrically coupled to the image sensor;

a first referencing element positioned relative to the die, the first referencing element having a first alignment component at a lateral distance from the image sensor and a first stop component spaced apart from the image sensor along an axis normal to the image sensor by separation distance;

an optics unit having an optic member; and

a second referencing element connected to the optics unit, the second referencing element having a second alignment component contacting the first alignment component to align the optic member with the image sensor and a second stop component contacting the first stop component to space the optic member apart from the image sensor by a desired distance.

25. The imager of claim 24 wherein:

the first referencing element comprises a first support projecting from one of the die or a cover over the die, and the first support includes the first alignment component and the first stop component; and

the second referencing element comprises a second support projecting from the optics unit, and the second support includes the second alignment component and the second stop component.

26. The imager of claim 24 wherein the first referencing element comprises a first support having a first step and the second referencing element comprises a second support having a second step mated with the first step of the first support.

27. The imager of claim 24 wherein one of the first or second referencing elements comprises a channel and the other of the first or second referencing elements comprises a projection received in the channel.

28. The imager of claim 24 wherein the first referencing element further comprises a first engagement member and the second referencing element further comprises a second engagement member engaged with the first engagement member, and wherein the first and second engagement members are configured to releasably secure the first and second referencing elements together.

29. The imager of claim 28 wherein the first engagement member comprises first threads and the second engagement member comprises second threads.

30. The imager of claim 28 wherein the first and second engagement members are configured into a bayonet connection.

31. A microelectronic imager, comprising:

an imaging unit including (a) a microelectronic die having an image sensor and a plurality of external contacts electrically connected to the image sensor, and (b) a first referencing element fixed with respect to the image sensor; and

an optics unit including an optic member and a second referencing element fixed with respect to the optic member, the second referencing element being detachably seated with the first referencing element, and the first and second referencing elements being configured to align the optic member with the image sensor and space the optic member apart from the image sensor by a desired distance when the first and second referencing elements are seated together.

32. The imager of claim 31 wherein:

the first referencing element has a first interface feature at a first reference location relative to the image sensor on the die;

the second referencing element has a second interface feature at a second reference location relative to the optic member; and

the first interface feature is engaged with the second interface feature with the first reference location coinciding with the second reference location such that the optic member is aligned with the image sensor and positioned at a desired distance from the image sensor.

33. The imager of claim 31 wherein:

the first referencing element comprises a first support projecting from the die, the first support having a first alignment component at a preset lateral location from the image sensor and a first stop component at a set elevation from the image sensor; and

the second referencing element comprises a second support fixed to the optics unit, the second support having (a) a second alignment component juxtaposed to the first alignment component to align the optic member with a centerline of the image sensor, and (b) a second stop component juxtaposed to the first stop component to space the optic member apart from the image sensor by a desired distance.

34. The imager of claim 31 wherein:

the imaging unit further comprises a cover over the die;

the first referencing element comprises a first support projecting from the cover, the first support having a first alignment component at a preset lateral location from the image sensor and a first stop component at a fixed, preset elevation from the image sensor; and

the second referencing element comprises a second support projecting from the optics unit, the second support having (a) a second alignment component juxtaposed to the first alignment component to align the optic member with a centerline of the image sensor, and (b) a second stop component juxtaposed to the first stop component to space the optic member apart from the image sensor by a desired distance.

35. The imager of claim 31 wherein the first referencing element comprises a first support on the die around the image sensor and the second referencing element comprises a second support on the optics unit around the optic member, and the first support on the die is mated with the second support on the optics unit.

36. The imager of claim 31 wherein:

the imaging unit further comprises a cover over the die; and

the first referencing element comprises a first support on the cover and the second referencing element comprises a second support on the optics unit around the optic member, and the first support on the cover is mated with the second support on the optics unit.

37. The imager of claim 31 wherein the first referencing element comprises a first support having a first step and the second referencing element comprises a second support having a second step mated with the first step of the first support.

38. The imager of claim 31 wherein the first referencing element comprises a first support projecting from one of the die or a cover over the die and the second referencing element comprises a second support projecting from the optics unit, the first support having a first inclined surface, and the second support having a complementary inclined surface engaging the first inclined surface.

39. A microelectronic imager, comprising:

an imaging unit including (a) a microelectronic die with an image sensor and a plurality of external contacts electrically coupled to the image sensor, and (b) a first stand-off section fixed to the imaging unit and having a first interface area at a set reference position relative to the image sensor and a first quick-release engagement member; and

an optics unit having an optic member and a second stand-off section fixed to the optics unit, the second stand-off section having a second interface area at a set reference position relative to the optic member and a second quick-release engagement member, wherein the first interface area is seated with the second interface area to position the first stand-off section with the second stand-off section in a configuration in which the optic member is at a desired location relative to the image sensor, and wherein the first and second quick-release elements are coupled together to releasably secure the first stand-off section to the second stand-off section.

40. The imager of claim 39 wherein:

the first stand-off section projects from the die, and the first interface area has a first alignment component at a preset lateral location from the image sensor and a first stop component at a set elevation from the image sensor; and

the second stand-off section projects from the optics unit, and the second interface area has (a) a second alignment component juxtaposed to the first alignment component to align the optic member with a centerline of the image sensor, and (b) a second stop component juxtaposed to the first stop component to space the optic member apart from the image sensor by a desired distance.

41. The imager of claim 39 wherein:

the imaging unit further comprises a cover over the die;

the first stand-off section projects from the cover, and the first interface area has a first alignment component at a preset lateral location from the image sensor and a first stop component at a fixed, preset elevation from the image sensor; and

the second stand-off section projects from the optics unit, and the second interface area has (a) a second alignment component juxtaposed to the first alignment component to align the optic member with a centerline of the image sensor, and (b) a second stop component juxtaposed to the first stop component to space the optic member apart from the image sensor by a desired distance.

42. The imager of claim 39 wherein the first stand-off section projects from the die and extends around the image sensor and the second stand-off section projects from the optics unit extends around the optic member, and the first interface area is mated with the second interface area.

43. The imager of claim 39 wherein:

the image sensor further comprises a cover over the image sensor; and

the first stand-off section projects from the cover and the second stand-off section projects from the optics unit, and the first interface area is mated with the second interface area.

44. The imager of claim 39 wherein the first interface area comprises a first step and the second interface area comprises a second step mated with the first step.

45. The imager of claim 39 wherein one of the first or second stand-off sections includes a channel and the other of the first or second stand-off sections includes a projection received in the channel.

46. The imager of claim 39 wherein the first stand-off section further comprises a first engagement member and the second stand-off section further comprises a second engagement member engaged with the first engagement member, and wherein the first and second engagement members are configured to releasably secure the first and second referencing elements together.

47. The imager of claim 46 wherein the first engagement member comprises first threads and the second engagement member comprises second threads.

48. The imager of claim 46 wherein the first and second engagement members are configured into a bayonet connection.

49. An assembly of a plurality of imagers, comprising:

a microelectronic workpiece comprising a first substrate, a plurality of dies on the first substrate, and a plurality of first referencing elements on the first substrate, wherein individual dies have an image sensor and external electrical contacts electrically coupled to the image sensor, and wherein individual first referencing elements have first engagement members and are positioned at a predetermined location relative to a corresponding image sensor of a corresponding die; and

an optics workpiece comprising a second substrate, a plurality of optics units on the second substrate, and a plurality of second referencing elements on the second substrate, wherein individual optics units have an optic member and individual second referencing elements are positioned at a predetermined location relative to a corresponding optic member, and wherein the second referencing elements (a) have second engagement members detachably engaged with the first engagement members and (b) are seated with corresponding first referencing elements at predetermined positions relative to corresponding image sensors in which individual optic members are situated at a desired location relative to corresponding individual image sensors.

50. A method of packaging an imager, comprising:

providing an imaging unit having (a) a microelectronic die with an image sensor and a plurality of external contacts electrically coupled to the image sensor, and (b) a first referencing element fixed to the imaging unit, wherein the first referencing element has a first interface feature at a reference position relative to the image sensor and a first engagement member;

providing an optics unit having an optic member and a second referencing element fixed to the optics unit, wherein the second referencing element has a second interface feature at a reference position relative to the optic member and a second engagement member; and

attaching the second referencing element to the first referencing element by seating the second interface feature with the first interface feature in a predetermined position in which the optic member is at a desired location relative to the image sensor, and wherein the first and second engagement members are releasably engaged with each other.

51. The method of claim 50 wherein attaching the second referencing element to the first referencing element comprises moving at least one of the imaging unit and the optics unit toward the other using automated equipment.

52. The method of claim 50 wherein the imaging unit is a first imaging unit of a plurality of imaging units on a microelectronic workpiece, and wherein providing the imaging unit comprises constructing the first referencing element on the workpiece at the first imaging unit before separating the first imaging unit from the workpiece.

53. The method of claim 50 wherein the first referencing element comprises a first support around the image sensor and the second referencing element comprises a second support on the optics unit around the optic member, and wherein attaching the first referencing element to the second referencing element comprises mating the first support with the second support.

54. The method of claim 50 wherein the first referencing element comprises a first support having a first step and the second referencing element comprises a second support having a second step, and wherein attaching the first referencing element to the second referencing element comprises mating the first step of the first support with the second step of the second support.

55. The method of claim 50 wherein one of the first or second referencing elements comprises a channel and the other of the first or second referencing elements comprises a projection received in the channel, and wherein attaching the first referencing element to the second referencing element comprises inserting the protrusion into the channel.

56. The method of claim 50 wherein:

the imaging unit further comprises a cover over the image sensor, the first referencing element comprises a depression in the cover, and the second referencing element comprises a support having a distal protrusion; and

attaching the first referencing element to the second referencing element comprises inserting the protrusion into the depression.

57. The method of claim 50 wherein:

the imaging unit further comprises a cover over the image sensor, the optics unit further comprises a substrate carrying the optic member, the first referencing element comprises a support having a distal protrusion, and the second referencing element comprises a depression in the substrate; and

attaching the first referencing element to the second referencing element comprises inserting the protrusion into the depression.

58. The method of claim 50 wherein the first referencing element comprises a plurality of guides projecting from one of the die or a cover over the die, and the second referencing element comprises a support extending from the optics unit that has bearing surfaces, and wherein attaching the first referencing element to the second referencing element comprises positioning the bearing surfaces next to the guides.

59. The method of claim 50 wherein the first referencing element comprises a first support projecting from one of the die or a cover over the die and a first radial alignment component at the support, and the second referencing element comprises a second support projecting from the optics unit and a second radial alignment component at the second support, and wherein attaching the first referencing element to the second referencing element comprises aligning the first radial alignment component with the second radial alignment component to radially align the optic member with the image sensor.

60. The method of claim 50 wherein the first referencing element comprises a first support projecting from one of the die or a cover over the die and the second referencing element comprises a second support projecting from the optics unit, the first support having a first inclined surface, and the second support having a complementary inclined surface, and wherein attaching the first referencing element to the second referencing element comprises engaging the first inclined surface with the second inclined surface.

61. The method of claim 50, further comprising:

providing a plurality of imaging units on a microelectronic workpiece, wherein individual imaging units include (a) a microelectronic die with an image sensor and a plurality of external contacts electrically coupled to the image sensor, and (b) a first referencing element fixed to the workpiece;

providing a plurality of optics units on an optic workpiece, wherein individual optics units include an optic member and a second referencing element fixed to the optics unit; and

releasably attaching the first referencing element of individual imaging units to corresponding second referencing elements of corresponding optics units.

62. The method of claim 61, further comprising singulating the imaging units from each other and testing the imaging units to determine known-good-units, and wherein the attaching procedure comprises attaching the first referencing elements of known-good-units to corresponding second referencing elements of corresponding optics units.

63. The method of claim 62 wherein attaching the first referencing elements of known-good-units to corresponding second referencing elements of corresponding optics units occurs before singulating the optics workpiece.

64. The method of claim 62 wherein attaching the first referencing elements of known-good-units to corresponding second referencing elements of corresponding optics units occurs after singulating the optics workpiece.

65. The method of claim 61, further comprising singulating the optics workpiece to separate the individual optics units, and wherein the attaching procedure comprises attaching the second referencing elements of separated optics units to corresponding first referencing elements of corresponding imaging units.

66. The method of claim 65 wherein the attaching procedure comprises mating the first referencing elements with corresponding second referencing element before singulating either the microelectronic workpiece or the optics workpiece.

67. The method of claim 65 wherein providing the imaging units comprises constructing the first referencing elements on the microelectronic workpiece using stereolithography processing.

68. The method of claim 65 wherein providing the optics units comprises constructing the second referencing elements on the optics workpiece using stereolithography processing.

69. The method of claim 50 wherein the first engagement member comprises first threads and the second engagement member comprises second threads releasably engaged with the first threads.

70. The method of claim 50 wherein the first and second engagement members comprise a bayonet connection.