Abstract: During fabrication of an electrical medical lead, a cut end of a stranded wire conductor is subjected to electrical current sufficient to heat and weld the strands together upon discharge of a high voltage between the cut end and a ground metal plate formed of a material of the stranded wire conductor. The discharge of weld energy between the stranded wire cut end and the ground plate induces heat in the wire strands at the stranded wire cut end and the ground plate sufficient to transfer conductive material from the ground plate to fuse the wire strands together. The fusing inhibits unraveling of the wire strands at the fused cut end, whereby the insertion of the stranded wire cable through a lead body lumen and the connection of the fused stranded wire cut end to a further lead component, e.g., a proximal lead connector element or distal electrode, is facilitated.

Abstract: The bondhead of a Wire Bonder, that serves to produce a wire connection between two connection points by means of a capillary guiding a wire, is formed as a pantograph mechanism. The pantograph mechanism comprises a first swivel arm driven by a first motor, a second swivel arm driven by a second motor and two connecting arms. With this pantograph mechanism, the movement of the capillary takes place by means of rotary movements.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel system for supporting a vibrator having a terminal for electrical connection so that the vibrator may be miniaturized and the deviation of vibration property among vibrators mounted on the supporting systems may be prevented. The supporting system has a substrate 11 and bonding wires 9, 10 supported on the substrate 11 and to be joined with a vibrator 1. The vibrator 1 is supported with the bonding wires 9, 10 so that the vibrator 1 does not directly contact the substrate 11 and bonding wires 9, 10 are electrically connected with a terminal 6 of the vibrator 1.

Abstract: A wire bonding apparatus that include a piezoelectric element 4 provided near the capillary attachment portion of a bonding arm 1 so that a capillary 3 vibrates in the axial direction of the bonding arm 1, the piezoelectric element 4 being driven by a piezoelectric element driving power source 11. The wire bonding apparatus further includes a detector 15 and a bonding arm control circuit 16, wherein the detector 15 detects the voltage or current generated by the piezoelectric element 4 when the capillary 3 is lowered and contacts the object of bonding, and the bonding arm control circuit 16 controls the lowering motion of the bonding arm 1 in accordance with the changes in the voltage or current detected by this detector 15.

Abstract: A Wire Bonder has a downholder for pressing the fingers of a system carrier onto a heating plate. The downholder can be raised and lowered. A downholder in accordance with the invention contains four guide elements for bearing a holding plate, whereby each guide element has a supporting surface and a bolt that can be moved by means of a drive. In the raised condition of the downholder, the holding plate rests on the supporting surfaces of the four guide elements. In the lowered condition of the downholder, the bolts of the four guide elements press the holding plate against the fingers of the system carrier presented on the heating plate. At least one of the four bolts can be moved separately so that the holding plate can temporarily anchor the system carrier without already pressing all fingers against the heating plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming improved wire bonds between the contact pads on semiconductor devices and individual lead frame fingers of a lead frame. The apparatus and method include the use of a penetrating individual independent lead finger clamp during the wire bonding process to provide increased stability of the individual lead finger for improved bonding by the clamp penetrating a portion of the lead finger being bonded. If desired, the apparatus and method also provide for the use of either a penetrating or non-penetrating fixed clamp for the lead fingers during the wire bonding process in addition to the penetrating individual independent lead finger clamp during the wire bonding process to provide increased stability of the individual lead finger for improved bonding.

Abstract: A flip chip bonding tool and ball placement capillary system comprising a dissipative material with a resistance low enough to prevent a discharge of a charge to a device being bonded and high enough to avoid current flow to the device being bonded is disclosed.

Abstract: A Wire Bonder comprises a bondhead that can be moved in a horizontal plane that has a capillary clamped to a horn and parts of an image recognition system. The tip of the capillary and the optical axis of the image recognition system are separated by a vectorial distance D. The Wire Bonder has a device with a body with an optical marking and with two stop faces that enable the vectorial distance D to be recalibrated at any time. The control program of the Wire Bonder is set up on the one hand to move the capillary towards the first stop face and to determine a first co-ordinate xC of the position of the bondhead as soon as the capillary touches the first stop face and then to move the capillary towards the second stop face and to determine a second co-ordinate yC of the position of the bondhead as soon as the capillary touches the second stop face.

Abstract: An apparatus to prevent oxidation of an electronic device, such as a semiconductor substrate during a semiconductor packaging process, comprises a substantially-enclosed conduit having at least one movable support defining a path through which the electronic device may travel and a plurality of gas outlets to introduce a relatively inert gas into the conduit. Conveying means adapted to engage and move the electronic device along the conduit is provided, and an opening along a portion of the conduit allows engagement between the conveying means and the electronic device. Actuating means are adapted to shift the movable support whereby the size of the path is adjustable to suit different electronic devices.

Abstract: A capillary holder for mounting a capillary onto a horn is provided that comprises a mounting hole formed in the horn that has a first width along a first axis that is smaller than a width of the capillary and a second width along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis that is larger than the width of the capillary. In particular, the mounting hole is configured such that application of a flexion force to reduce the second width simultaneously expands the first width so as to fit the capillary when the first width is larger than the width of the capillary, and removal of said flexion force contracts the first width whereby to grip the capillary using an elastic force of the horn.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus including, on a supporting stand 12, two linear motors 130 and 140 and a bonding head supporting stage 114 which supports the bonding head 120 by means of fluid pressure so that the bonding head 120 is movable in the horizontal plane. The linear motors 130 and 140 respectively include driving sections 132 and 142 and movable coil assemblies 134 and 144. An arm 136 extending from the movable coil assembly 134 of the first linear motor 130 is fastened to the bonding head 120, and an arm 146 extending from the movable coil assembly 144 of the second linear motor 140 is engaged with the bonding head 120. A driving force aimed at the center of gravity of the bonding head 120 is applied to the bonding head 120 via the arms 136 and 146, so that the bonding head 120 is moved.

Abstract: An integrated circuit is wire bonded in a manner such that there is consistent RF performance from integrated circuit package to integrated circuit package. Bond distances within the integrated circuit are measured, each corresponding to a wire bond to be formed. An area under a hypothetical wire bond profile is calculated as a function of the bond distances, a baseline wire length, and a baseline loop height. A wire is bonded across a given one of the bond distances to form a given one of the wire bonds. A wire bond profile for the given wire bond is provided having an area thereunder that is substantially equal to the calculated area.

Abstract: A method for establishing an electrical connection between a first contact surface and a second contact surface, with a wire-bonding tool being used to provide a contact wire between the contact surfaces by bonding the contact wire to the first contact surface and subsequently leading it to the second contact surface, bonding it to the latter, and subsequently, separating it using the wire-bonding tool. After the contact wire has been separated from the second contact surface, the wire-bonding tool is used to provide the contact point with an additional contact securing element via the contact wire.

Abstract: A bonding tool for bonding a wire to a substrate. The bonding tool has a body portion, a working tip coupled to one end of the body portion, an orifice extending along a longitudinal axis of the body and the working tip, and a polymer coating disposed over at least a portion of a surface of the orifice.

Abstract: A complimentary self-locking wire bond structure and technique is introduced, where the bonding force is focused at the tip of the bond wire and a barb-type construction is utilized to enhance the durability and reduce the insertion forces. The end of wire bond has an “arrowhead” or similar functioning fastener such that the force is focused to a point that pierces the bond pad in a local area. The bond pad may be self-healing, such that the bond pad is made to close over and seal or lock the barb into the underpad layer below the pad, while making electrical contact with the wire bond at the bond pad surface. The bond pad may have a cushioning layer or cavity below it to dampen the piercing force of the pointed barb. A thin metal pad may also be formed over the compliant underpad layer for force absorption.

Abstract: A capillary has a face surface 13 formed at the tip end thereof so that the face surface 13 inclines toward the center thereof so as to have a tapered shape, and has a through hole 11 formed therethrough so as to permit wire to be placed therethrough so that the through hole 11 has an opening 12 at the center of the face surface 13. The inclination angle ? of the face surface 13 relative to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the capillary and including the opening 12 of the through hole 11 is in the range from 4° to 15°, and the height h of the face surface 13 along the axis of the capillary is equal to or greater than the thickness of the wire 2.

Abstract: Bump formation method and wire bonding method including a step of forming a ball on the tip end of a wire that passes through a capillary and joining this ball to an electrode pad so as to make a press-bonded ball. In the next step, the capillary is raised and moved horizontally so that the bottom flat portion of the capillary faces the press-bonded ball. Then, the capillary is lowered and the press-bonded ball is pressed, thus forming a first bump. Next, the capillary is raised and moved horizontally in a direction that is opposite from the previous horizontal-direction, thus positioning the flat portion of the capillary to face the first bump. Then, the capillary is lowered, and the wire is bent and pressed against the surface of the first bump so as to form a second bump. The wire is then cut from the second bump.

Abstract: A resistive bonding tool tip comprising a resistive material with a resistance low enough to prevent a discharge of a charge to a device being bonded and high enough to avoid current flow large enough to damage the device being bonded is disclosed.

Abstract: A bondhead is provided that comprises a bondhead body for holding a bonding tool, such as an ultrasonic transducer, and a bondhead actuator coupled to the bondhead body for moving the bonding tool with respect to a bonding surface. A wire clamping device, which may comprise a wire clamp holder and a wire clamp, is movable relative to the bondhead body for feeding a bonding wire to the bonding tool. A wire clamping device actuator is operative to move the wire clamping device relative to the bondhead body for improved control of the feeding of bonding wire to the bonding tool.

Abstract: A wire bonding method including the steps of forming a bump by performing ball bonding of a ball by wire on a second conductor, raising a capillary to a height that is equal to or lower than the height of a ball portion that rises into a through-hole of the capillary during formation of the bump, moving the capillary in a direction that is opposite from the first conductor, lowering the capillary so as to form an inclined wedge on the bump, cutting the wire, performing the primary bonding on the first conductor, and making a loop with the wire with respect to the bump from the first conductor, thus performing the secondary bonding on the inclined wedge on the bump.

Abstract: A bump connection is formed by stacking at least two metallic balls of different kinds of metals on a conductor of an electronic component such as a semiconductor device. The bump connection is obtained by forming the metallic balls using metallic wires. An apparatus for forming the connection includes a support, capillary member for having a wire pass therethrough, a pair of clamps for clamping the wire, and a “torch” (e.g., electrode, gas flame) which heats the tip of the wire, forming the ball. Successive balls can be formed by this apparatus atop the initially formed ball to provide a stacked configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structure, apparatus, and method for wire bonding in which a first wire bond is formed between first and second components, a second wire bond is formed between the second component and a third component such that the second wire bond is in electrical communication with the first wire bond, wherein the first and second wire bonds are connected to said first and second components, respectively, using ball bonding.

Abstract: A highly reliable bonding process is provided. The wire bonding method includes: (a) bonding a tip portion of a wire to a first electrode by pressing an open end section of a first hole of a first tool against the tip portion of the wire that is passed through the first hole and protrudes outside the first hole, and (b) bonding a part of a section of the wire that is lead out from the first electrode to a second electrode. The first tool is passed through a second hole of a second tool. The width of an open end section of the second hole is formed greater than the width of the open end section of the first hole. The step (b) is conducted by pressing the open end section of the second hole against the part of the wire.

Abstract: Wire bonding being performed by, following the formation of a neck portion on a wire at a first bonding point, raising the capillary from the neck portion while paying out a first specified length of wire, causing the capillary to move toward a second bonding point so that a first kink is formed on the wire, then lowering the capillary so that a second specified length of wire is taken into the capillary, and moving the capillary in the opposite direction from the second bonding point so as to form a second kink, and then raising the capillary, while paying out the wire, until the first kink is positioned at the lower end of the capillary, and finally, with the wire being is held in this state, moving the capillary to the second bonding point, thus completing a wire loop between the first and second bonding points.

Abstract: A bonding tool for bonding a fine wire to bonding pads having a very fine pitch is disclosed. The bonding tool comprises a working tip at an end thereof. The working tip includes an annular chamfer formed at an inner portion of the end of the working tip, the inner annular chamfer having an angle of less than about 60 degrees. The inner annular chamfer is coupled to a lower portion of a cylindrical passage formed in the bonding tool.

Abstract: An improved bond integrity test system is provided by eliminating the spring loaded wire spool cover which contributes to particulate matter, and by addition of a second contact diverter in the wire path. These improvements have been shown to decrease false lifted ball bond reports by 68%, and therefore to improve productivity and accuracy of the test system. Such changes are readily adapted to current bonders, as well as to new designs.

Abstract: A method for insulating a bonding wire that includes the steps of attaching a bonding wire to a bond pad and coating the bonding wire with an insulating liquid while drawing the bonding wire through a bond tool from the bond pad to a package lead.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting lead fingers during a wire bonding process and method of preventing the bonding apparatus and clamping assembly from applying force against the die. The present invention includes the use of a movable arm with a portion that is positionable under a portion of the lead fingers of a lead frame during the wire bonding process to provide increased stability of the lead fingers and prevent the bonding apparatus and clamping assembly from applying force against the die. The present invention also provides for the transfer of heat from the heat block directly to the lead fingers during the wire bonding process. The present invention includes the use of a clamp for stabilizing lead fingers during the wire bonding process.

Abstract: An improved wire bonding capillary used in the bonding of wires to the bond pads of a semiconductor device and the leads of a lead frame, the wire bonding capillary having a working tip having a working surface including a flat annular portion surrounding the wire feed aperture in the capillary and a concave surface extending therefrom to the intersection with the radius extending from the external tip diameter of the working tip.

Abstract: Intersected portions (C) of coated electric wires 20 and (21) are sandwiched and pressurized between a horn-side chip (11) and an anvil-side chip (12) (sandwiching step). Ultrasonic vibration force determined by a first vibration condition is applied to the horn-side chip (11) to melt insulators (20a) and (21a) of the coated electric wires (20) and (21) (insulator-melting step). A time point when conductors (20b) and (21b) of the coated electric wires (20) and (21) come into contact with each other is automatically detected by the melting of the insulators (20a) and (21a) (conductor contact-detecting step). After the conductors came into contact with each other, ultrasonic vibration force determined by a second vibration condition is applied to the horn-side chip (11), thereby bonding the conductors (20b) and (21b) to each other (conductor-bonding step).

Abstract: Methods for making and using dissipative ceramic bonding tool tips for wire bonding electrical connections to bonding pads on integrated circuit chips and packages. The method of using the dissipative ceramic bonding tool tip includes dissipating charge while bonding to avoid damaging delicate electronic devices by a sudden surge of accumulated charge. The method of making the tool tip includes affecting its conductivity so that it conducts electricity at a rate sufficient to prevent charge buildup, but not sufficient to overload the device being bonded. For best results, a resistance in the tip assembly itself should range from 5×104 or 105 to 1012 ohms. In addition, the tips must also have specific mechanical properties to function satisfactorily.

Abstract: Disclosed are a bonding method for a semiconductor chip, which employs an ultrasonic bonding scheme that prevents wear-out of the top surface of a mount tool and ensures both high reliability and high productivity, and a bonding apparatus which is used to carry out the method. The bonding apparatus and method are provided with means for suppressing generation of a sliding friction. The apparatus and method execute a bonding process by controlling vibration-axial directional holding force and inertial force based on information given from control management means to thereby maintain a relationship of (vibration-axial directional holding force)>(die shear strength)+(inertial force) while applying an ultrasonic vibration to a region which is subjected to bonding.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus including: a horn holder pivotably connected at a first connecting portion to a bonding head, an ultrasonic horn having a capillary and held in the horn holder, a linking arm pivotably connected at a second connecting portion to the horn holder and pivotably connected at a third connecting portion to the bonding head, and a driving motor that moves the first connecting portion horizontally or causes the third connecting portion to pivot; and a relationship L1=L2=L3 being established, in which L1 is a distance between the third connecting portion and the second connecting portion, L2 is a distance between the second connecting portion and the tip end of the capillary, and L3 is a distance between the second connecting portion and the first connecting portion.

Abstract: A leadframe clamping apparatus includes a resilient polymeric membrane which permits self-leveling compensation of a variably movable clamp insert for variations in leadframe thickness. The clamp insert is formed of a polymer such as polyimide to provide further compensation for leadframe variations.

Abstract: A transducer horn for holding a tool, such as a capillary, for a wire bonder has a pair of resilient arms which flex to clamp about a tool placed in a passage between the arms. The arms have free distal ends between which a wedge is inserted to open the passage to allow the tool to be inserted into, or removed from, the tool holder. The arms may be covered by protective walls, in which case an end wall is provided with an aperture to allow the wedge to access a slot between the arms.

Abstract: A bonding tool for bonding a fine wire to bonding pads having a very fine pitch is disclosed. The bonding tool comprises a working tip at an end thereof. The working tip includes an annular chamfer formed at an inner portion of the end of the working tip, the inner annular chamfer having an angle of less than about 60 degrees. The inner annular chamfer is coupled to a lower portion of a cylindrical passage formed in the bonding tool.

Abstract: Bonding tool for ultrasonic wire bonding, with a knife (3) that is inserted into or closely apposed to the bonding tool so as to be longitudinally movable with respect thereto, in order to cut a projecting part of a bonded wire immediately behind a bonded connection.

Abstract: In a bump bonding technique for forming a bump on an IC, including forming a ball at the tip of a gold wire protruding from a capillary, and providing a metal-to-metal joint by applying ultrasonic vibration from a ultrasonic head through the capillary while pressing the ball against a pad portion on the IC, the metal-to-metal joint is provided by applying the ultrasonic vibration at a frequency in a range of 130 to 320 kHz, more preferably in a range of 170 to 270 kHz, and most preferably at a frequency of 230±10 kHz at room temperatures and atmospheric pressure. Consequently, a bump is formed on an IC having a low heat resistance temperature in a satisfactory joint condition, and a bump is formed with good positional accuracy without giving the influence of heat to the surroundings.

Abstract: A clamping device is provided for clamping an object, such as bonding wire for a wire bonding machine. The device comprises a pair of clamping arms arranged in pivotal relationship with each other about a pivot point, the clamping arms having clamping ends movable between an open position and a closed position. An attraction device is operative to provide an attraction force between the clamping arms about the pivot point. The device includes biasing means that is operative to provide a biasing force in opposition to the attraction force about the pivot point, such that the biasing force is operative to bias the clamping ends towards the closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the biasing means comprises a flexure bearing.

Abstract: A wire bonder for bonding an insulated wire to a surface is disclosed. The bonder includes a bond head, having a bonding position adjacent to said surface and a wire preparation position spaced apart from the surface. There is a wire holder on the bond head, the wire holder being sized and shaped to permit a free end of the insulated wire to extend from the wire holder when the bond head is in the spaced apart position. A source of insulated wire for said bond head is provided as well as an electrical discharge wand positioned adjacent to said bond head when the bond head is in the spaced apart position. The wand directs sufficient electricity at the extending free end of the insulated wire to form a bond ball on the free end. A ground associated with the insulated wire, is provided the ground being sized and positioned to conduct electrical energy away from the insulated bond wire to prevent the insulation on the bond wire remote from the free end from being damaged.

Abstract: A method of bonding a wire to a bond pad on an electronic or photonic device is provided. A section of the wire is held within a bond head of the wirebonding apparatus. A laser beam is directed onto the bond pad. Energy of the laser beam heats the bond pad to the temperature that is higher than the temperature of the device. The bond head is subsequently moved toward the device to bring a portion of the wire into contact with the bond pad. Ultrasonic energy is provided to an interface between the portion of the wire and the bond pad.

Abstract: A wire-bonding machine includes a heat block for supporting a lead frame during wire-bonding. A clamp mechanism in the machine clamps leads of the lead frame during wire-bonding by fixedly holding sets of the leads against the heat block one set at a time. A wire-bonding tool wire-bonds leads clamped by the clamp mechanism to bond pads on an integrated circuit die. By clamping leads of the lead frame in separate sets, the machine provides improved clamping for lead frames with leads requiring clamping in different planes.

Abstract: A clamp post holder has a mounting portion for mounting on a wire bonding machine, and a clamp post holding portion, which holds a clamp post. The mounting portion and post holding portion are separated by a slot except for a connecting portion. A screw passes through a threaded hole in the clamp post holding portion into the slot, with its end abutting the mounting portion. By turning the screw, the clamp post holding portion is pulled away from the mounting portion, thereby moving the clamp post. This allows fine adjustment of the positioning of a clamp member on the clamp post.

Abstract: A wire bonder (900) with a rigid pedestal (902) having resilient inserts (920). A package (904) placed on the pedestal (902) contains an electrical device (906). The bond pads on the electrical device (906) are electrically connected to bond pads on the package (904) by a series of bond wires (908) through use of a well know bonding process. A vacuum source holds the package (904) against the pedestal (902) deforming the resilient strips (920) located in the rigid member (902) of the pedestal and ensuring good contact between the ground pads of the package (904) and conductive resilient members (920). The resilient members (920) are conductive and electrically connect the package grounds to a system ground (922).

Abstract: A wire bonding apparatus having a capillary with a wire passing therethrough; and when the switch of a first direct-current high-voltage power supply is switched ON, a space discharge takes place between the tip end of the wire and a torch electrode, and the tip end of the wire is melted by the discharge, making a ball-form ball base. When the switch of a second high-voltage power supply is switched ON, a space discharge takes place between a pair of dissociated gas forming electrodes made of a coating material whose melting point is lower than that of the wire, so that a dissociated gas containing tin ions is formed. The ball base is positioned inside the dissociated gas, and thus, tin adheres to the surface of the ball base, and an initial ball with a low-melting-point coating material adhering to the surface is formed.

Abstract: A wire bonding apparatus with a bonding head that includes an ultrasonic transducer having a capillary at its tip end, piezo-electric elements that form a pair of complementary action type extension and retraction driving elements which cause the ultrasonic transducer to move with respect to a transducer holder, an impact detection sensor, and a Z motor which drives the transducer holder. The piezo-electric elements are arranged so that when one of them is driven to extend, the other is driven to retract. When the impact detection sensor detects that the capillary is lowered by the Z motor and comes into contact with a bonding object (semiconductor chip), the driving of the Z motor is stopped, and the piezo-electric elements are driven to the directions of extension and retraction in a complementary manner, thus swinging the ultrasonic transducer and moving the capillary upward.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method for preventing oxidation of an electronic device, such as a semiconductor leadframe, when it is heated. The apparatus comprises an area in which said device is to be heated and inlet means adapted to supply a relatively inert gas to the said area. In particular, the apparatus includes a porous distribution element through which the inert gas is passed from the inlet means to said area, whereby to protect the electronic device in the area from oxidation.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus including an ultrasonic horn having a capillary, a horn holder holding the ultrasonic horn, a swing arm rotatably supporting the horn holder on horn holder supporting shafts, and auxiliary arms which are rotatably supported by auxiliary arm supporting shafts and rotatably supported by connecting shafts on the horn holder. The horn holder supporting shafts are disposed above a hypothetical center of an imaginary horizontal line extending from the tip end of the capillary, the auxiliary arm supporting shafts are disposed in the back of the horn holder supporting shafts and at the same height as the horn holder supporting shafts, and the connecting shafts are disposed at an intersection of an extension of an imaginary line connecting the tip end of the capillary and the horn holder supporting shafts and an extension of an imaginary line connecting the hypothetical center and the auxiliary arm supporting shafts.

Abstract: In a wire-bonding process, a chip is provided with at least a first contact pad. A chip carrier is further provided with at least a second contact pad. A plurality of stacked conductive bumps are formed on the first contact pad. A conductive wire is formed by a reverse bonding process. The conductive wire electrically connects the second contact pad of the chip carrier to the stacked conductive bumps over the first contact pad of the chip.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welder for splicing a plurality of workpieces has four anvils, each formed with a meeting surface and displaceable to form a workpiece nest, which has a rectangular shape of a predetermined width. The width of the workpiece nest is sufficient to receive only at least one vertical column of workpieces to be welded, so as to produce a vertical splice. The ultrasonic welder further has a controller controlling a starting position of tooling, which forms the predetermined width of the workpiece nest, and displacing at least one of tools, which form side faces of the nest in reciprocal and time controlled manner. The displaceable tool is brought back to its starting position corresponding to the predetermined width of the workpiece nest before a new bundle of workpieces is loaded therein.