Abstract: A structure for reducing partially etched materials is described. The structure includes a layout of an intersection area between two trenches. First, a large intersection area having a trapezoidal corner may be replaced with an orthogonal intersection between two trenches. The layout reduces the intersection area as well as the possibility of having partially etched materials left at the intersection area. The structure also includes an alternative way to fill the intersection area with either an un-etched small trapezoidal area or multiple un-etched square areas, so that the opening area at the intersection point is reduced and the possibility of having partially etched materials is reduced too.

Abstract: A device (20, 90) includes sensors (28, 30) that sense different physical stimuli. A pressure sensor (28) includes a reference element (44) and a sense element (52), and an inertial sensor (30) includes a movable element (54). Fabrication (110) entails forming (112) a first substrate structure (22, 92) having a cavity (36, 100), forming a second substrate structure (24) to include the sensors (28, 30), and coupling (128) the substrate structures so that the first sensor (28) is aligned with the cavity (36, 100) and the second sensor (30) is laterally spaced apart from the first sensor (28). Forming the second structure (24) includes forming (118) the sense element (52) from a material layer (124) of the second structure (24) and following coupling (128) of the substrate structures, concurrently forming (132) the reference element (44) and the movable element (54) in a wafer substrate (122) of the second structure (24).

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device comprising the steps of: affixing a die attach film and a dicing film to a back surface of a semiconductor wafer: thereafter dicing the semiconductor wafer and the die attach film to divide the semiconductor wafer into a plurality of semiconductor chips: thereafter pulling the dicing film from the center toward the outer periphery of the dicing film with a first tensile force to cut the die attach film chip by chip; and thereafter picking up the semiconductor chips together with the die attach film while pulling the dicing film from the center toward the outer periphery of the dicing film with a second tensile force smaller than the first tensile force.

Abstract: Ultra-thin semiconductor devices, including piezoresistive sensing elements can be formed in a wafer stack that facilitates handling many thin device dice at a wafer level. Three embodiments are provided to form the thin dice in a wafer stack using three different fabrication techniques that include anodic bonding, adhesive bonding and fusion bonding. A trench is etched around each thin die to separate the thin die from others in the wafer stack. A tether layer, also known as a tether, is used to hold thin dice or dice in a wafer stack. Such as wafer stack holds many thin dice together at a wafer level for handling and enables easier die picking in packaging processes.

Abstract: A processing method for a package substrate having a base substrate partitioned by a plurality of crossing division lines to form a plurality of chip forming areas where a plurality of semiconductor chips are respectively formed and molded with resin. The package substrate has a resin surface and an electrode surface opposite to the resin surface. The processing method includes a warp correcting step of cutting the package substrate from the resin surface or the electrode surface along the division lines by using a cutting blade to form a cut groove, thereby correcting a warp of the package substrate, and a grinding step of grinding the resin surface of the package substrate in the condition where the electrode surface of the package substrate is held on a holding table after performing the warp correcting step, thereby reducing the thickness of the package substrate to a predetermined thickness.

Abstract: In six rows of molten processed regions 131, 132, the molten processed region 131 closest to a front face 17a of a metal film 17 opposing a front face 3 of an object to be processed 1 acting as a laser light entrance surface is formed by irradiating a silicon wafer 11 with a reflected light component of laser light L reflected by the front face 17a of the metal film 17. This can form the molten processed region 131 very close to the front face 17a of the metal film 17.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing an inner lead and an outer lead, the inner lead having an inner peripheral side with a non-linear contour; forming a bump contact, having a groove in and a mesa from the inner lead or the outer lead, the groove adjacent to the mesa; mounting a first device adjacent to the inner lead; connecting a second device to the mesa; and forming an encapsulation material over the first device, the inner lead, and the outer lead and covering the second device.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer contains a plurality of semiconductor die each having a peripheral area around the die. A recessed region with angled or vertical sidewall is formed in the peripheral area. A conductive layer is formed in the recessed region. A first stud bump is formed over a contact pad of the semiconductor die. A second stud bump is formed over the first conductive layer within the recessed region. A bond wire is formed between the first and second stud bumps. A third stud bump is formed over the bond wire and first stud bump. A dicing channel partially formed through the peripheral area. The semiconductor wafer undergoes backgrinding to the dicing channel to singulate the semiconductor wafer and separate the semiconductor die. The semiconductor die can be disposed in a semiconductor package with other components and electrically interconnected through the bond wire and stud bumps.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package system includes a conductive substrate. A heat sink and a plurality of leads are etched in the substrate to define a conductive film connecting the heat sink and the plurality of leads to maintain their spatial relationship. A die is attached to the heat sink and wire bonded to the plurality of leads. An encapsulant is formed over the die, the heat sink, and the plurality of leads. The conductive film is etched away to expose the encapsulant and the bottom surfaces of the heat sink and the plurality of leads. Wave soldering is used to form solder on at least the plurality of leads. Multiple heat sinks and hanging leads are provided.

Abstract: A dicing/die-bonding film including a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (2) on a supporting base material (1) and a die-bonding adhesive layer (3) on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (2), wherein a releasability in an interface between the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (2) and the die-bonding adhesive layer (3) is different between an interface (A) corresponding to a work-attaching region (3a) in the die-bonding adhesive layer (3) and an interface (B) corresponding to a part or a whole of the other region (3b), and the releasability of the interface (A) is higher than the releasability of the interface (B). The dicing/die-bonding film is excellent in balance between retention in dicing a work and releasability in releasing its diced chipped work together with the die-bonding adhesive layer.

Abstract: A wafer having a front face formed with a functional device is irradiated with laser light while positioning a light-converging point within the wafer with the rear face of the wafer acting as a laser light incident face, so as to generate multiphoton absorption, thereby forming a starting point region for cutting due to a molten processed region within the wafer along a line. Consequently, a fracture can be generated from the starting point region for cutting naturally or with a relatively small force, so as to reach the front face and rear face. Therefore, when an expansion film is attached to the rear face of the wafer by way of a die bonding resin layer after forming the starting point region for cutting and then expanded, the wafer and die bonding resin layer can be cut along the line.

Abstract: A method to enable wafer result prediction from a batch processing tool, includes collecting manufacturing data from a batch of wafers processed in batch in the batch processing tool, to form a batch processing result; defining a degree of freedom of the batch processing result based on the manufacturing data; and performing an optimal curve fitting by trial and error for an optimal function model of the batch processing result based on the batch processing result.

Abstract: An improved semiconductor seal ring and method therefore is described. The seal ring comprises a thick layer wherein at least a portion of the thick layer is removed from a singulation street prior to singulation, thereby avoiding damage to the thick layer during the singulation process. A thin moisture-proof barrier layer is preferably deposited over at least a portion of the thick layer to seal at least an edge of the thick layer. A thick nonmetallic layer preferably used for fabrication of active circuit elements may advantageously be employed as the thick layer (for example, an aluminum nitride (AlN) layer in, for example, a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filter device). A thin amorphous nonmetallic layer (e.g., a silicon nitride (SiN) layer) may preferably be deposited over the thick layer. Alternatively, other materials may be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, containing: a first step of producing a first component part of a semiconductor device on a first surface of a semiconductor wafer; a second step of laminating a support plate to the first surface of the semiconductor wafer, on which the first component part has been produced, through only a silicone resin layer therebetween; a third step of grinding a second surface opposing the first surface of the semiconductor wafer, in the state of the support plate being laminated, and then producing a second component part of the semiconductor device on the ground surface; and a fourth step of peeling off the silicone resin layer from the semiconductor wafer on which the first component part and the second component part have been produced, thereby removing the silicone resin layer and the support plate, and cutting the semiconductor wafer into a chip.

Abstract: A metal leadframe to be used in manufacturing a “flip-chip” type semiconductor package is treated to form a metal plated layer in an area to be contacted by a solder ball or bump on the chip. The leadframe is then process further to form an oxide or organometallic layer around the metal plated layer. Pretreating the leadframe in this manner prevents the solder from spreading out during reflow and maintains a good standoff distance between the chip and leadframe. During the molding process, the standoff between the chip and leadframe allows the molding compound to flow freely, preventing voids in the finished package.

Abstract: A disclosed device includes a manufacturing method of semiconductor device including preparing a semiconductor substrate including semiconductor chip forming regions, scribing regions surrounding these regions, and cutting regions formed in the scribing regions and narrower than the scribing regions, forming check patterns and semiconductor chips, forming a resist film, forming through grooves narrower than the scribing regions and wider than the check patterns and the cutting regions, removing the check patterns with a wet blast process using the resist film and collectively forming grooves at portions of a protection film and the semiconductor substrate facing the through grooves, removing the resist film, forming internal connection terminals on the contacting faces, forming an insulating resin layer, forming a wiring forming face by removing until connecting faces are exposed, forming wiring patterns, and cutting the semiconductor substrate, the insulating resin layer, and a solder resist layer to separat

Abstract: A wafer strength reinforcement system is provided including providing a wafer, providing a tape for supporting the wafer, and positioning a wafer edge support material for location between the tape and the wafer.

Abstract: An integrated circuit structure is provided. The integrated circuit structure includes a die and an anisotropic conducing film (ACF) adjoining the back surface of the die. The die includes a front surface; a back surface on an opposite side of the die than the front surface; and a through-silicon via (TSV) exposed through the back surface of the die.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit package system that includes: providing an electrical interconnect system including an inner lead-finger system and an outer lead-finger system; stacking a first device, a second device, and a third device between and over the electrical interconnect system; connecting the first device and the second device to the inner lead-finger system; and connecting the third device to the outer lead-finger system.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device from a semiconductor wafer, having external connecting terminals on one side of the semiconductor wafer and a cover layer on another side of the semiconductor wafer, includes forming a groove with a first width from the one side to at least an interface between the semiconductor wafer and the cover layer in the semiconductor wafer, and cutting the cover layer with a second width from a bottom side of the groove. The second width is narrower than the first width.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin TFT over a flexible substrate is provided. In formation of a TFT on a surface of a substrate having heat resistance, a liquid repellent film is formed selectively on a surface of the substrate, and an organic film is formed thereover. An element such as a TFT is formed over the organic film. Since the liquid repellent film is formed over the substrate, adhesion between the substrate and the organic film is low; therefore, the element which is formed can be peeled off from the substrate easily. Further, since the element is not transferred to another substrate, a semiconductor device which is thinner than conventional ones can be manufactured. In order to form the liquid repellent film selectively, light exposure of a front surface or a back surface of the substrate provided with a mask, a droplet discharging method, or the like is used.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is made by mounting a plurality of semiconductor die to a substrate, depositing an encapsulant over the substrate and semiconductor die, forming a shielding layer over the semiconductor die, creating a channel in a peripheral region around the semiconductor die through the shielding layer, encapsulant and substrate at least to a ground plane within the substrate, depositing a conductive material in the channel, and removing a portion of the conductive material in the channel to create conductive vias in the channel which provide electrical connection between the shielding layer and ground plane. An interconnect structure is formed on the substrate and are electrically connected to the ground plane. Solder bumps are formed on a backside of the substrate opposite the semiconductor die. The shielding layer is connected to a ground point through the conductive via, ground plane, interconnect structure, and solder bumps of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dicing tape-integrated film for semiconductor back surface, which includes: a dicing tape including a base material layer, a first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and a second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer stacked in this order, and a film for semiconductor back surface stacked on the second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of the dicing tape, in which a peel strength Y between the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and the second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is larger than a peel strength X between the second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and the film for semiconductor back surface, and in which the peel strength X is from 0.01 to 0.2 N/20 mm, and the peel strength Y is from 0.2 to 10 N/20 mm.

Abstract: A thermosetting tape is adopted as a dicing tape and, after package dicing, the thermosetting tape is heated, then a desired one of divided CSPs is picked up by an inverting collet. Since the thermosetting tape is heated o a predetermined temperature so that its adhesive force becomes zero, the CSP can be picked up by the inverting collet without peeling it off from the thermosetting tape. Thus, peel-off charging does not occur and therefore it is not necessary to perform a destaticizing process. As a result, it is possible to improve the production efficiency in assembling the semiconductor device (CSP).

Abstract: Flip chip ball grid array semiconductor devices and methods for fabricating the same. In one example, a near chip scale method of semiconductor die packaging may comprise adhering the die to a substrate in a flip chip configuration, coating the die with a first polymer layer, selectively removing the first polymer layer to provide at least one opening to expose a portion of the die, and depositing a first metal layer over the first polymer layer, the first metal layer at least partially filling the at least one opening to provide an electrical contact to the die, and including a portion that substantially surrounds the die in a plane of an upper surface of the first metal layer to provide an electromagnetic shield around the die.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a film for flip chip type semiconductor back surface to be formed on a back surface of a semiconductor element flip chip-connected to an adherend, the film for flip chip type semiconductor back surface containing an inorganic filler in an amount within a range of 70% by weight to 95% by weight based on the whole of the film for flip chip type semiconductor back surface.

Abstract: A fabrication method of a chip scale package is provided, which includes forming a protection layer on the active surface of a chip and fixing the inactive surface of the chip to a transparent carrier; performing a molding process; removing the protection layer from the chip and performing a redistribution layer (RDL) process, thereby solving the conventional problems caused by directly attaching the chip on an adhesive film, such as film-softening caused by heat, encapsulant overflow, warpage, chip deviation and contamination that lead to poor electrical connection between the wiring layer formed in the RDL process and the chip electrode pads and even waste product as a result. Further, the transparent carrier employed in the invention can be separated by laser and repetitively used in the process to help reduce the fabrication cost.

Abstract: Electromagnetic shielding for an integrated circuit packaged device. The method includes forming shielding structures by forming openings in an encapsulated structure. The openings are filled with conductive material that surrounds at least one die. The encapsulated structure may include a plurality of integrated circuit die. A layered redistribution structure is formed on one side of the encapsulated structure.

Abstract: A method for producing a semiconductor chip with an adhesive film, which includes: preparing a laminate in which a semiconductor wafer, an adhesive film and a dicing tape are laminated in that order, the adhesive film having a thickness in the range of 1 to 15 ?m and a tensile elongation at break of less than 5%, and the tensile elongation at break being less than 110% of the elongation at a maximum load, and the semiconductor wafer having a section, for dividing the semiconductor wafer into a plurality of semiconductor chips, which is formed by irradiating with laser light; dividing the semiconductor wafer into a plurality of semiconductor chips without dividing the adhesive film, by expanding the dicing tape; and dividing the adhesive film by picking up the plurality of semiconductor chips.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device package to provide RF shielding. The device is mounted on a laminated substrate having conducting pads on its top surface. A molding compound covers the substrate top surface and encapsulates the devices. The substrate is disposed on a tape; the molding compound and the substrate are cut through, forming package units separated by the saw cut width and exposing a portion of a conducting pad. In an embodiment, the tape is stretched to widen the gap between package units. A conductive shield is applied to cover each package unit and to make electrical contact with the exposed conducting pad portion, thereby connecting to a ground trace beneath the device and providing RF shielding for the device. A single-unit molding process may be used, in which the conducting pad is exposed during and after molding.

Abstract: A method of packaging a semiconductor device may include providing a semiconductor substrate including first and second spaced apart semiconductor chip areas, and adhering a cover on the first and second spaced apart semiconductor chip areas of the semiconductor substrate. A scribe line may be formed through the semiconductor substrate between the first and second semiconductor chip areas with a semiconductor bridge pattern remaining connected between the first and second spaced apart semiconductor chip areas after forming the scribe line. The cover and the semiconductor bridge pattern may then be cut after forming the scribe line.

Abstract: A method of making a microelectronic package, and a microelectronic package made according to the method. The method includes: bonding and thermally coupling a plurality of IC dies to an IHS panel to yield a die-carrying IHS panel; mounting the die-carrying IHS panel onto a substrate panel including a plurality of package substrates to yield a combination including the die-carrying IHS panel mounted to the substrate panel; and singulating the combination to yield a plurality of microelectronic packages, each of the packages including: an IHS component of the IHS panel, one of the plurality IC dies bonded and thermally coupled to said IHS component and one of the plurality of package substrates, said IHS component and said one of the plurality of IC dies being mounted to said one of the plurality of package substrates to form said each of the packages.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a semiconductor wafer having a scribe line dividing the semiconductor wafer into a matrix of plural semiconductor chips. The semiconductor wafer includes a polysilicon layer, a poly-metal interlayer insulation film formed on the polysilicon layer, and a first metal wiring layer formed on the poly-metal interlayer insulation film. The semiconductor wafer includes a process-monitor electrode pad formed on a dicing area of the scribe line. The process-monitor electrode pad has a width greater than the width of the dicing area. The process-monitor electrode pad includes a contact hole formed in the poly-metal insulation film for connecting the first metal wiring layer to the polysilicon layer.

Abstract: The semiconductor device comprises a first area and a second area positioned adjacent to the outside of the first area, the semiconductor substrate having a main surface and side surfaces and disposed in such a manner that the main surface is positioned in the first area and each of the side surfaces is positioned at a boundary between the first area and the second area, a plurality of pads formed over the main surface of the semiconductor substrate and a plurality of external connecting terminals formed thereon, which are respectively electrically connected to the pads, a first resin portion which is formed over the main surface of the semiconductor substrate so as to cover the pads and has a main surface and side surfaces, and which is formed in such a manner that the external connecting terminals are exposed from the main surface and each of the side surfaces is positioned at the boundary, and a second resin portion which is positioned in the second area and formed so as to cover the side surfaces of the s

Abstract: A method for cutting a semiconductor substrate having a front face formed with functional devices together with a die bonding resin layer. A wafer having a front face formed with functional devices is irradiated with laser light while positioning a light-converging point within the wafer with the rear face of the wafer acting as a laser light incident face, so as to form a starting point region for cutting due to a modified region within the wafer along a cutting line. When an expansion film is attached to the rear face by way of a die bonding resin layer after forming the starting point region and then expanded, a fracture can be generated from the starting point region which reaches the front face and rear face, consequently, the wafer and die bonding resin layer can be cut along the cutting line.

Abstract: A method for producing multiple semiconductor devices. An electrically conductive layer is applied onto a semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor wafer is structured to produce multiple semiconductor chips. The electrically conductive layer is structured to produce multiple semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a build-up interconnect structure formed over an active surface of a semiconductor wafer containing a plurality of semiconductor die separated by a saw street. An insulating layer is formed over the interconnect structure. Bumps are formed over the interconnect structure. A protective coating material is deposited over the insulating layer and saw street. A lamination tape is applied over the coating material. A portion of a back surface of the semiconductor wafer is removed. A mounting tape is applied over the back surface. The lamination tape is removed while leaving the coating material over the insulating layer and saw street. A first channel is formed through the saw street extending partially through the semiconductor wafer. The coating material is removed after forming the first channel. A second channel is formed through the saw street and the mounting tape is removed to singulate the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor apparatus includes forming back surface electrode 4 on back surface of semiconductor wafer 20, that bends convexly toward the front surface side due to back surface electrode 4 being formed; treating the back surface with a plasma for removing the deposits on the back surface; sticking removable adhesive tape 23 to the back surface along the warp thereof for maintaining the bending state of semiconductor wafer 20 after the step of sticking; electrolessly plating to form film 26 on the front surface of semiconductor wafer 20; peeling off removable adhesive tape 23; cutting out semiconductor chips; and mounting the semiconductor chip by bonding with a solder for manufacturing a semiconductor apparatus. The manufacturing method prevents external appearance anomalies from occurring on the back surface electrode, improves the reliability, and allows manufacture of the semiconductor apparatuses with a high throughput of non-defective products.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and method for producing such a device is disclosed. One embodiment provides a semiconductor functional wafer having a first and second main surface. Component production processes are performed for producing a component functional region at the first main surface, wherein the component production processes produce an end state that is stable up to at least a first temperature. A carrier substrate is fitted to the first main surface. Access openings are produced to the first main surface. At least one further component production process is performed for producing patterned component functional regions at the first main surface of the functional wafer in the access openings. The end state produced in this process is stable up to a second temperature, which is less than the first temperature.

Abstract: Back side metal (BSM) delamination induced by chip dicing of silicon wafers is avoided by roughening the polished silicon surface at chip edges by etching. The Thru-Silicon-Via (TSV) structures used in 3D chip integration is masked at the back side from roughening to maintain the polished surface at the TSV structures and, thus, reliable conductivity to the BSM layer.

Abstract: Flip chip ball grid array semiconductor devices and methods for fabricating the same. In one example, a near chip scale method of semiconductor die packaging may comprise adhering the die to a substrate in a flip chip configuration, coating the die with a first polymer layer, selectively removing the first polymer layer to provide at least one opening to expose a portion of the die, and depositing a first metal layer over the first polymer layer, the first metal layer at least partially filling the at least one opening to provide an electrical contact to the die, and including a portion that substantially surrounds the die in a plane of an upper surface of the first metal layer to provide an electromagnetic shield around the die.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer contains a plurality of semiconductor die separated by a saw street. An insulating layer is formed over the semiconductor wafer. A protective layer is formed over the insulating layer including an edge of the semiconductor die along the saw street. The protective layer covers an entire surface of the semiconductor wafer. Alternatively, an opening is formed in the protective layer over the saw street. The insulating layer has a non-planar surface and the protective layer has a planar surface. The semiconductor wafer is singulated through the protective layer and saw street to separate the semiconductor die while protecting the edge of the semiconductor die. Leading with the protective layer, the semiconductor die is mounted to a carrier. An encapsulant is deposited over the semiconductor die and carrier. The carrier and protective layer are removed. A build-up interconnect structure is formed over the semiconductor die and encapsulant.

Abstract: A method for producing chip packages is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plurality of chips is provided. The chips each have first pads. Second connection pads are applied on the wafer, wherein each second pad is electrically connected to a first pad.

Abstract: In one embodiment, semiconductor die are singulated from a semiconductor wafer by etching openings completely through the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes cutting a part of a resin insulating layer formed on a surface of a semiconductor substrate with a cutting tool. The cutting the part of the resin insulating layer includes cutting a portion of the resin insulating layer that has a surface on which a metal layer is disposed. The cutting the portion of the resin insulating layer is performed in such a manner that, in a stress distribution inside the resin insulating layer along an edge portion of the cutting tool and a peripheral portion of the edge portion, a width at 90% of a maximum value is not more than 1.3 ?m.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor package, where the package includes a surface for attachment of the package to a device by a joint formed of a connective material in a joint area of the surface. The method is characterised in that it comprises the step of patterning one or more channels on the surface which channels extend away from the joint area towards an edge of the surface. Also the method has the step of applying a compound to one or more channels which compound interacts with the connective material, such that when the semiconductor package is attached to the device the interaction defines one or more paths in the connective material. These correspond to the one or more channels on the surface and allow the passage of waste material away from the joint area to the outer edge of the surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wafer level package including: preparing a substrate wafer including a plurality of pads formed on a bottom surface, a plurality of chips positioned on a top surface, and dicing lines for dividing the chips; forming external connection units on the pads; coating resin on the dicing lines by positioning masks on the substrate wafer to expose only the dicing lines; removing the masks; encapsulating the chips positioned between the resin by coating the chips with encapsulant and cutting a wafer level package along the dicing lines coated with the resin into units.

Abstract: A semiconductor-device manufacturing method includes: forming terminals on a wafer and across each of dicing lines along which the wafer is cut into a plurality of semiconductor chips; preparing a plurality of pre-cut substrates each including a substrate body capable of being cut along corresponding one of cutting lines into a pair of same structured substrate pieces, connection pads provided on a top surface of the substrate body, and external terminals formed on a bottom surface of the substrate body and connected to the connection pads; mounting the pre-cut substrates onto the wafer while the cutting lines of the pre-cut substrates match the dicing lines; and simultaneously dicing the wafer and the pre-cut substrates along the dicing lines matching the cutting lines.

Abstract: A wafer processing method of processing a wafer having on a front surface a device area where a plurality of devices are formed by being sectioned by predetermined dividing lines, and an outer circumferential redundant area surrounding the device area, includes the steps of: sticking a protection tape to the front surface of the wafer; holding a protection tape side of the wafer by a rotatable chuck table, positioning a cutting blade on a rear surface of the wafer, and rotating the chuck table to cut a boundary portion between the device area and the outer circumferential redundant area to form a separation groove; grinding only the rear surface of the wafer corresponding to the device area to form a circular recessed portion to leave the ring-like outer circumferential redundant area as a ring-like reinforcing portion, the wafer being such that the device area and the ring-like outer circumferential redundant area are united by the protection tape; and conveying the wafer supported by the ring-like reinforci

Abstract: In one embodiment, semiconductor die are singulated from a semiconductor wafer by etching openings completely through the semiconductor wafer.