Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080268573 | Method and system for bonding 3D semiconductor devices - A method and system and for fabricating 3D (three-dimensional) SIC (stacked integrated chip) semiconductor devices. The system includes a vacuum chamber, a vacuum-environment treatment chamber, and a bonding chamber, though in some embodiments the same physical enclosure may serve more than one of these functions. A vacuum-environment treatment source in communication with the vacuum-environment treatment chamber provides a selected one or more of a hydrogen (H | 10-30-2008 |
20090191705 | Semiconductor Contact Barrier - System and method for reducing contact resistance and improving barrier properties is provided. An embodiment comprises a dielectric layer and contacts extending through the dielectric layer to connect to conductive regions. A contact barrier layer is formed between the conductive regions and the contacts by electroless plating the conductive regions after openings have been formed through the dielectric layer for the contact. The contact barrier layer is then treated to fill the grain boundary of the contact barrier layer, thereby improving the contact resistance. In another embodiment, the contact barrier layer is formed on the conductive regions by electroless plating prior to the formation of the dielectric layer. | 07-30-2009 |
20090273055 | Fuse Structure - An electrical fuse and a method of forming the same are presented. A first-layer conductive line is formed over a base material. A via is formed over the first-layer conductive line. The via preferably comprises a barrier layer and a conductive material. A second-layer conductive line is formed over the via. A first external pad is formed coupling to the first-layer conductive line. A second external pad is formed coupling to the second-layer conductive line. The via, the first conductive line and the second conductive line are adapted to be an electrical fuse. The electrical fuse can be burned out by applying a current. The vertical structure of the preferred embodiment is suitable to be formed in any layer. | 11-05-2009 |
20100159693 | Method of Forming Via Recess in Underlying Conductive Line - A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a via in a dielectric layer that opens to a conductive line underlying the dielectric layer, and forming a via recess in the conductive line at the via. The via recess in the conductive line has a depth ranging from about 100 angstroms to about 600 angstroms. Via-fill material fills the via recess and at least partially fills the via, such that the via-fill material is electrically connected to the conductive line. The via recess may have a same size or smaller cross-section area than that of the via, for example. Such via structure may be part of a dual damascene structure in an intermetal dielectric structure, for example. | 06-24-2010 |
20110084357 | Self Aligned Air-Gap in Interconnect Structures - An integrated circuit structure comprising an air gap and methods for forming the same are provided. The integrated circuit structure includes a conductive line; a self-aligned dielectric layer on a sidewall of the conductive line; an air-gap horizontally adjoining the self-aligned dielectric layer; a low-k dielectric layer horizontally adjoining the air-gap; and a dielectric layer on the air-gap and the low-k dielectric layer. | 04-14-2011 |
20110089560 | Non-Uniform Alignment of Wafer Bumps with Substrate Solders - An integrated circuit structure includes a work piece selected from the group consisting of a semiconductor chip and a package substrate. The work piece includes a plurality of under bump metallurgies (UBMs) distributed on a major surface of the work piece; and a plurality of metal bumps, with each of the plurality of metal bumps directly over, and electrically connected to, one of the plurality of UBMs. The plurality of UBMs and the plurality of metal bumps are allocated with an overlay offset, with at least some of the plurality of UBMs being misaligned with the respective overlying ones of the plurality of metal bumps. | 04-21-2011 |
20110101520 | Semiconductor Die Contact Structure and Method - A system and method for forming a semiconductor die contact structure is disclosed. An embodiment comprises a top level metal contact, such as copper, with a thickness large enough to act as a buffer for underlying low-k, extremely low-k, or ultra low-k dielectric layers. A contact pad or post-passivation interconnect may be formed over the top level metal contact, and a copper pillar or solder bump may be formed to be in electrical connection with the top level metal contact. | 05-05-2011 |
20110115077 | Method for Reducing Voids in a Copper-Tin Interface and Structure Formed Thereby - An embodiment is a method for forming a semiconductor assembly comprising cleaning a connector comprising copper formed on a substrate, applying cold tin to the connector, applying hot tin to the connector, and spin rinsing and drying the connector. | 05-19-2011 |
20110121410 | Semiconductor Contact Barrier - System and method for reducing contact resistance and improving barrier properties is provided. An embodiment comprises a dielectric layer and contacts extending through the dielectric layer to connect to conductive regions. A contact barrier layer is formed between the conductive regions and the contacts by electroless plating the conductive regions after openings have been formed through the dielectric layer for the contact. The contact barrier layer is then treated to fill the grain boundary of the contact barrier layer, thereby improving the contact resistance. In another embodiment, the contact barrier layer is formed on the conductive regions by electroless plating prior to the formation of the dielectric layer. | 05-26-2011 |
20120028441 | Method and System for Bonding 3D Semiconductor Device - A method and system and for fabricating 3D (three-dimensional) SIC (stacked integrated chip) semiconductor devices. The system includes a vacuum chamber, a vacuum-environment treatment chamber, and a bonding chamber, though in some embodiments the same physical enclosure may serve more than one of these functions. A vacuum-environment treatment source in communication with the vacuum-environment treatment chamber provides a selected one or more of a hydrogen (H | 02-02-2012 |
20120111922 | Thermal Compressive Bonding with Separate Die-Attach and Reflow Processes - A method of bonding includes providing a first work piece, and attaching a second work piece on the first work piece, with a solder bump disposed between the first and the second work pieces. The second work piece is heated using a heating head of a heating tool to melt the solder bump. After the step of heating the second work piece, one of the first and the second work pieces is allowed to move freely in a horizontal direction to self-align the first and the second work pieces. After the step of allowing one of the first and the second work pieces to move, a temperature of the heating head is lowed until the first solder bump solidifies to form a second solder bump. | 05-10-2012 |
20120196434 | E-fuse Structure Design in Electrical Programmable Redundancy for Embedded Memory Circuit - An electrical fuse and a method of forming the same are presented. A first-layer conductive line is formed over a base material. A via is formed over the first-layer conductive line. The via preferably comprises a barrier layer and a conductive material. A second-layer conductive line is formed over the via. A first external pad is formed coupling to the first-layer conductive line. A second external pad is formed coupling to the second-layer conductive line. The via, the first conductive line and the second conductive line are adapted to be an electrical fuse. The electrical fuse can be burned out by applying a current. The vertical structure of the preferred embodiment is suitable to be formed in any layer. | 08-02-2012 |
20120211547 | In-Situ Accuracy Control in Flux Dipping - A flux dipping apparatus includes a flux plate having a top surface; and a dipping cavity in the flux plate and recessed from the top surface. A flux leveler is disposed over the flux plate and configured to move parallel to the top surface. A piezoelectric actuator is configured to adjust a distance between the flux leveler and the top surface in response to a controlling voltage applied to electrodes of the first piezoelectric actuator. | 08-23-2012 |
20120227886 | Substrate Assembly Carrier Using Electrostatic Force - A portable electrostatic chuck carrier includes a holder having a dielectric top surface, and bipolar electrodes under the dielectric top surface. The bipolar electrodes includes positive electrodes and negative electrodes electrically insulated from the positive electrodes. The positive electrodes and the negative electrodes are allocated in an alternating pattern in a plane substantially parallel to the dielectric top surface. | 09-13-2012 |
20120267423 | Methods and Apparatus for Thin Die Processing - A vacuum tip and methods for processing thin integrated circuit dies. A vacuum tip for attaching to an integrated circuit die is disclosed comprising a vacuum port configured to connect to a vacuum supply on an upper surface and having a bottom surface; and at least one vacuum hole extending through the vacuum tip and exposed at the bottom surface of the vacuum tip; wherein the vacuum tip is configured to physically contact a surface of an integrated circuit die. Methods for processing integrated circuit dies are disclosed. | 10-25-2012 |
20120299181 | Package-on-Package Process for Applying Molding Compound - A method of packaging includes placing a package component over a release film, wherein solder balls on a surface of the package component are in physical contact with the release film. Next, A molding compound filled between the release film and the package component is cured, wherein during the step of curing, the solder balls remain in physical contact with the release film. | 11-29-2012 |
20130009303 | Connecting Function Chips To A Package To Form Package-On-Package - A package-on-package (PoP) comprises a substrate with a plurality of substrate traces, a first function chip on top of the substrate connected to the substrate by a plurality of bond-on-trace connections, and a second function chip on top of the first function chip, directly connected to the substrate. Another package-on-package (PoP) comprises: a substrate with a plurality of substrate traces, a first function chip on top of the substrate connected to the substrate by a plurality of solder mask defined (SMD) connections formed on SMD bonding pads connected to solder bumps, and a second function chip on top of the first function chip, directly connected to the substrate by a plurality of bond-on-trace connections. | 01-10-2013 |
20130009307 | Forming Wafer-Level Chip Scale Package Structures with Reduced number of Seed Layers - A method includes forming a passivation layer over a metal pad, which is overlying a semiconductor substrate. A first opening is formed in the passivation layer, with a portion of the metal pad exposed through the first opening. A seed layer is formed over the passivation layer and to electrically coupled to the metal pad. The seed layer further includes a portion over the passivation layer. A first mask is formed over the seed layer, wherein the first mask has a second opening directly over at least a portion of the metal pad. A PPI is formed over the seed layer and in the second opening. A second mask is formed over the first mask, with a third opening formed in the second mask. A portion of a metal bump is formed in the third opening. After the step of forming the portion of the metal bump, the first and the second masks are removed. | 01-10-2013 |
20130012014 | UBM Etching Methods for Eliminating Undercut - A method includes forming an under-bump metallurgy (UBM) layer overlying a substrate, and forming a mask overlying the UBM layer. The mask covers a first portion of the UBM layer, and a second portion of the UBM layer is exposed through an opening in the mask. A metal bump is formed in the opening and on the second portion of the UBM layer. The mask is then removed. A laser removal is performed to remove a part of the first portion of the UBM layer and to form an UBM. | 01-10-2013 |
20130026644 | Photoactive Compound Gradient Photoresist - A system and method for forming photoresists over semiconductor substrates is provided. An embodiment comprises a photoresist with a concentration gradient. The concentration gradient may be formed by using a series of dry film photoresists, wherein each separate dry film photoresist has a different concentration. The separate dry film photoresists may be formed separately and then placed onto the semiconductor substrate before being patterned. Once patterned, openings through the photoresist may have a tapered sidewall, allowing for a better coverage of the seed layer and a more uniform process to form conductive materials through the photoresist. | 01-31-2013 |
20130048027 | Package Assembly Cleaning Process Using Vaporized Solvent - A method includes generating a solvent-containing vapor that contains a solvent. The solvent-containing vapor is conducted to a package assembly to clean the package assembly. The solvent-containing vapor condenses to form a liquid on a surface of the package assembly, and flows off from the surface of the package assembly. | 02-28-2013 |
20130062761 | Packaging Methods and Structures for Semiconductor Devices - Packaging methods and structures for semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a packaged semiconductor device includes a redistribution layer (RDL) having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. At least one integrated circuit is coupled to the first surface of the RDL, and a plurality of metal bumps is coupled to the second surface of the RDL. A molding compound is disposed over the at least one integrated circuit and the first surface of the RDL. | 03-14-2013 |
20130075921 | Forming Packages Having Polymer-Based Substrates - A method includes applying a polymer-comprising material over a carrier, and forming a via over the carrier. The via is located inside the polymer-comprising material, and substantially penetrates through the polymer-comprising material. A first redistribution line is formed on a first side of the polymer-comprising material. A second redistribution line is formed on a second side of the polymer-comprising material opposite to the first side. The first redistribution line is electrically coupled to the second redistribution line through the via. | 03-28-2013 |
20130089952 | Packaging Process Tools and Packaging Methods for Semiconductor Devices - Packaging process tools and packaging methods for semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a packaging process tool for semiconductor devices includes a mechanical structure including a frame. The frame includes a plurality of apertures adapted to retain a plurality of integrated circuit dies therein. The frame includes at least one hollow region. | 04-11-2013 |
20130093078 | Process for Forming Package-on-Package Structures - A device includes an inter-layer dielectric, a device die under the inter-layer dielectric; and a die-attach film under the inter-layer dielectric and over the device die, wherein the die-attach film is attached to the device die. A plurality of redistribution lines includes portions level with the die-attach film. A plurality of Z-interconnects is electronically coupled to the device die and the plurality of redistribution lines. A polymer-comprising material is under the inter-layer dielectric. The device die, the die-attach film, and the plurality of Z-interconnects are disposed in the polymer-comprising material. | 04-18-2013 |
20130093097 | Package-On-Package (PoP) Structure and Method - A package-on-package (PoP) structure comprises a first package and a second package. The first package comprises a first die, a second die, and a core material. The core material has a first surface and a second surface. A first redistribution layer (RDL) is on the first surface, and a second RDL is on the second surface. The first die is disposed in the core material between the first surface and the second surface. The second die is coupled to one of the first RDL and the second RDL. The second package comprises a third die and an interposer. The interposer has a first side and a second side. The third die is coupled to the second side of the interposer. The first package is coupled to the second package by first electrical connectors coupled to the second side of the interposer and the first RDL. | 04-18-2013 |
20130095608 | Methods for Forming 3DIC Package - A method includes dispensing an underfill between a first package component and a second package component, wherein the first package component is placed on a lower jig, and the second package component is over and bonded to the first package component. A through-opening is in the lower jig and under the first package component. The underfill is cured, wherein during the step of curing the underfill, a force is applied to flatten the first package component. The force is applied by performing an action selected from the group consisting of vacuuming and air blowing through the through-opening. | 04-18-2013 |
20130095611 | Packaging Methods for Semiconductor Devices - Packaging methods for semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of packaging a semiconductor device includes providing a workpiece including a plurality of packaging substrates. A portion of the workpiece is removed between the plurality of packaging substrates. A die is attached to each of the plurality of packaging substrates. | 04-18-2013 |
20130099385 | Packages and Methods for Forming the Same - A device includes a package component having conductive features on a top surface, and a polymer region molded over the top surface of the first package component. A plurality of openings extends from a top surface of the polymer region into the polymer region, wherein each of the conductive features is exposed through one of the plurality of openings. The plurality of openings includes a first opening having a first horizontal size, and a second opening having a second horizontal size different from the first horizontal size. | 04-25-2013 |
20130102112 | Process for Forming Packages - A method includes loading a first package component on a concave boat, and placing a second package component over the first package component. A load clamp is placed over the second package component, wherein the load clamp is supported by a temperature-variable spacer of the concave boat. A reflow step is performed to bond the second package component to the first package component. During a temperature-elevation step of the reflow step, the temperature-variable spacer is softened in response to an increase in temperature, and a height of the softened temperature-variable spacer is reduced, until the load clamp is stopped by a rigid spacer of the concave boat. | 04-25-2013 |
20130113116 | Contact and Method of Formation - A system and method for forming contacts is provided. An embodiment comprises forming the contacts on a substrate and then coining the contacts by physically shaping them using, e.g., a molding chamber. The physical shaping of the contacts may be performed using a patterned portion of the molding chamber or else by placing a patterned stencil around the contacts prior before a force is applied to physically reshape the contacts. The contacts may be reshaped into a cylindrical, oval, cuboid, or rectangular shape, for example. | 05-09-2013 |
20130115735 | Apparatus and Methods for Molded Underfills in Flip Chip Packaging - Methods and apparatus for a forming molded underfills. A method is disclosed including loading a flip chip substrate into a selected one of the upper mold chase and lower mold chase of a mold press at a first temperature; positioning a molded underfill material in the at least one of the upper and lower mold chases while maintaining the first temperature which is lower than a melting temperature of the molded underfill material; forming a sealed mold cavity and creating a vacuum in the mold cavity; raising the temperature of the molded underfill material to a second temperature greater than the melting point to cause the molded underfill material to flow over the flip chip substrate forming an underfill layer and forming an overmolded layer; and cooling the flip chip substrate to a third temperature substantially lower than the melting temperature of the molded underfill material. An apparatus is disclosed. | 05-09-2013 |
20130122652 | Methods for Performing Reflow in Bonding Processes - A method includes placing a cover over a lower package component, wherein the cover comprises an opening aligned to the lower package component. An upper package component is placed over the lower package component. The upper package component is aligned to the opening, and a solder region is dispose between the upper package component and the lower package component. The cover and the upper package component are exposed to a radiation to reflow the solder region. | 05-16-2013 |
20130126591 | Thermal Compress Bonding - A method includes providing a substrate carrier including work piece holders, and placing a first plurality of work pieces into the work piece holders. A second plurality of work pieces is picked up and placed, with each of the second plurality of work pieces being placed on one of the first plurality of work pieces. Solder bumps between the first and the second plurality of work pieces are then reflowed to simultaneously bond the first and the second plurality of work pieces together. | 05-23-2013 |
20130127059 | Adjusting Sizes of Connectors of Package Components - A device includes a plurality of connectors on a top surface of a package component. The plurality of connectors includes a first connector having a first lateral dimension, and a second connector having a second lateral dimension. The second lateral dimension is greater than the first lateral dimension. The first and the second lateral dimensions are measured in directions parallel to a major surface of the package component. | 05-23-2013 |
20130128486 | Forming Low Stress Joints Using Thermal Compress Bonding - A method of forming a bump structure includes providing a first work piece including a dielectric layer having a top surface; placing a second work piece facing the first work piece; placing a heating tool contacting the second work piece; and heating the second work piece using the heating tool to perform a reflow process. A first solder bump between the first and the second work pieces is melted to form a second solder bump. Before the second solder bump solidifies, pulling the second work piece away from the first work piece, until an angle formed between a tangent line of the second solder bump and the top surface of the dielectric layer is greater than about 50 degrees, wherein the tangent line is drawn at a point where the second solder bump joins the dielectric layer. | 05-23-2013 |
20130134588 | Package-On-Package (PoP) Structure and Method - Package-On-Package (PoP) structures and methods of forming PoP structures are disclosed. According to an embodiment, a structure comprises a first substrate, stud bulbs, a die, a second substrate, and electrical connectors. The stud bulbs are coupled to a first surface of the first substrate. The die is attached to the first surface of the first substrate. The electrical connectors are coupled to the second substrate, and respective ones of the electrical connectors are coupled to respective ones of the stud bulbs. | 05-30-2013 |
20130143361 | Packaging Process Tools and Systems, and Packaging Methods for Semiconductor Devices - Packaging process tools and systems, and packaging methods for semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a packaging process tool for semiconductor devices includes a mechanical structure for supporting package substrates or integrated circuit die during a packaging process for the integrated circuit die. The mechanical structure includes a low thermal conductivity material disposed thereon. | 06-06-2013 |
20130146647 | Integrated Reflow and Cleaning Process and Apparatus for Performing the Same - A method includes reflowing a solder region of a package structure, and performing a cleaning on the package structure at a cleaning temperature higher than a room temperature. Between the step of reflowing and the step of cleaning, the package structure is not cooled to temperatures close to the room temperature. | 06-13-2013 |
20130154086 | Exposing Connectors in Packages Through Selective Treatment - A method includes performing an etching step on a package. The package includes a package component, a connector on a top surface of the package component, a die bonded to the top surface of the package component, and a molding material molded over the top surface of the package component. The molding material covers the connector, wherein a portion of the molding material covering the connector is removed by the etching step, and the connector is exposed. | 06-20-2013 |
20130167373 | Methods for Stud Bump Formation and Apparatus for Performing the Same - An apparatus includes a spool configured to supply a wire, a cutting device configured to form a notch in the wire, and a capillary configured to bond the wire and to form a stud bump. The apparatus is further configured to pull the wire to break at the notch, with a tail region attached to the stud bump. | 07-04-2013 |
20130175685 | UBM Formation for Integrated Circuits - A method includes forming a polymer layer over a metal pad, forming an opening in the polymer layer to expose a portion of the metal pad, and forming an under-bump-metallurgy (UBM). The UBM includes a portion extending into the opening to electrically couple to the metal pad. | 07-11-2013 |
20130181338 | Package on Package Interconnect Structure - A structure comprises a post passivation interconnect layer formed over a semiconductor substrate, a metal bump formed over the post passivation interconnect layer and a molding compound layer formed over the semiconductor substrate. A lower portion of the metal bump is embedded in the molding compound layer and a middle portion of the metal bump is surrounded by a concave meniscus molding compound protection layer. | 07-18-2013 |
20130187268 | Semiconductor Packaging Structure and Method - A system and method for packaging semiconductor dies is provided. An embodiment comprises a first package with a first contact and a second contact. A post-contact material is formed on the first contact in order to adjust the height of a joint between the contact pad a conductive bump. In another embodiment a conductive pillar is utilized to control the height of the joint between the contact pad and external connections. | 07-25-2013 |
20130214401 | System and Method for Fine Pitch PoP Structure - A fine pitch package-on-package (PoP), and a method of forming, are provided. The PoP may be formed by placing connections, e.g., solder balls, on a first substrate having a semiconductor die attached thereto. A first reflow process is performed to elongate the solder balls. Thereafter, a second substrate having another semiconductor die attached thereto is connected to the solder balls. A second reflow process is performed to form an hourglass connection. | 08-22-2013 |
20130214431 | Fine-Pitch Package-on-Package Structures and Methods for Forming the Same - A method includes laminating a Non-Conductive Film (NCF) over a first package component, and bonding a second package component on the first package component. The NCF and the second package component are on a same side of the first package component. Pillars of a mold tool are then forced into the NCF to form openings in the NCF. The connectors of the first package component are exposed through the openings. | 08-22-2013 |
20130228951 | Wafer-Level Underfill and Over-Molding - A mold includes a top portion, and an edge ring having a ring-shape. The edge ring is underlying and connected to edges of the top portion. The edge ring includes air vents. The edge ring further encircles the inner space under the top portion of the mold. A plurality of injection ports is connected to the inner space of the mold. The plurality of injection ports is substantially aligned to a straight line crossing a center of the top portion of the mold. The plurality of injection ports has different sizes. | 09-05-2013 |
20130234317 | Packaging Methods and Packaged Semiconductor Devices - Packaging methods and packaged semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a packaging method includes providing a first die, partially packaging the first die, and forming a plurality of solder balls on a surface of the partially packaged first die. An epoxy flux is disposed over the plurality of solder balls. A second die is provided, and the second die is partially packaged. The plurality of solder balls is coupled to the partially packaged second die. | 09-12-2013 |
20130236994 | Non-Uniform Alignment of Wafer Bumps with Substrate Solders - An integrated circuit structure includes a work piece selected from the group consisting of a semiconductor chip and a package substrate. The work piece includes a plurality of under bump metallurgies (UBMs) distributed on a major surface of the work piece; and a plurality of metal bumps, with each of the plurality of metal bumps directly over, and electrically connected to, one of the plurality of UBMs. The plurality of UBMs and the plurality of metal bumps are allocated with an overlay offset, with at least some of the plurality of UBMs being misaligned with the respective overlying ones of the plurality of metal bumps. | 09-12-2013 |
20130276837 | Cleaning Methods and Compositions - Methods and chemical solvents used for cleaning residues on metal contacts during a semiconductor device packaging process are disclosed. A chemical solvent for cleaning a residue formed on a metal contact may comprise a reactive inorganic component and a reactive organic component. The method may comprise spraying a semiconductor device with a chemical solvent at a first pressure, and spraying the semiconductor device with the chemical solvent at a second pressure less than the first pressure. | 10-24-2013 |
20130277838 | Methods and Apparatus for Solder Connections - Methods and apparatus for solder connections. An apparatus includes a substrate having a conductive terminal on a surface; a passivation layer overlying the surface of the substrate and the conductive terminal; an opening in the passivation layer exposing a portion of the conductive terminal; at least one stud bump bonded to the conductive terminal in the opening and extending in a direction normal to the surface of the substrate; and a solder connection formed on the conductive terminal in the opening and enclosing the at least one stud bump. Methods for forming the solder connections are disclosed. | 10-24-2013 |
20130328190 | Methods and Apparatus of Packaging Semiconductor Devices - Methods and apparatuses for wafer level packaging (WLP) of semiconductor devices are disclosed. A contact pad of a circuit may be connected to a solder bump by way of a post passivation interconnect (PPI) line and a PPI pad. The PPI pad may comprise a hollow part and an opening. The PPI pad may be formed together with the PPI line as one piece. The hollow part of the PPI pad can function to control the amount of solder flux used in the ball mounting process so that any extra amount of solder flux can escape from an opening of the solid part of the PPI pad. A solder ball can be mounted to the PPI pad directly without using any under bump metal (UBM) as a normal WLP package would need. | 12-12-2013 |
20130334692 | Bonding Package components Through Plating - A method includes aligning a first electrical connector of a first package component to a second electrical connector of a second package component. With the first electrical connector aligned to the second electrical connector, a metal layer is plated on the first and the second electrical connectors. The metal layer bonds the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector. | 12-19-2013 |
20130334710 | Contact and Method of Formation - A system and method for forming contacts is provided. An embodiment comprises forming the contacts on a substrate and then coining the contacts by physically shaping them using, e.g., a molding chamber. The physical shaping of the contacts may be performed using a patterned portion of the molding chamber or else by placing a patterned stencil around the contacts prior before a force is applied to physically reshape the contacts. The contacts may be reshaped into a cylindrical, oval, cuboid, or rectangular shape, for example. | 12-19-2013 |
20130341786 | Package on Package Devices and Methods of Packaging Semiconductor Dies - Package on package (PoP) devices and methods of packaging semiconductor dies are disclosed. In one embodiment, a PoP device includes a first packaged die and a second packaged die coupled to the first packaged die. Metal pillars are coupled to the first packaged die. The metal pillars have a first portion proximate the first packaged die and a second portion disposed over the first portion. Each of the metal pillars is coupled to a solder joint proximate the second packaged die. | 12-26-2013 |
20140015122 | Method of Forming Post Passivation Interconnects - A method of forming post passivation interconnects comprises forming a passivation layer over a substrate, wherein a metal pad is embedded in the passivation layer, depositing a first dielectric layer on the passivation layer, applying a first patterning process to the first dielectric layer to form a first opening, forming a first seed layer over the first opening, filling the first opening with a conductive material, depositing a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer, applying a second patterning process to the second dielectric layer to form a second opening, forming an under bump metallization structure over the second opening and mounting an interconnect bump over the under bump metallization structure. | 01-16-2014 |
20140027431 | Warpage Control in the Packaging of Integrated Circuits - A method includes placing a first package component over a vacuum boat, wherein the vacuum boat comprises a hole, and wherein the first package component covers the hole. A second package component is placed over the first package component, wherein solder regions are disposed between the first and the second package components. The hole is vacuumed, wherein the first package component is pressed by a pressure against the vacuum boat, and wherein the pressure is generated by a vacuum in the hole. When the vacuum in the hole is maintained, the solder regions are reflowed to bond the second package component to the first package component. | 01-30-2014 |
20140048934 | METHOD TO CONTROL UNDERFILL FILLET WIDTH - A semiconductor device assembly includes a substrate having an area of the surface treated to form a surface roughness. A die is mounted on the substrate by a plurality of coupling members. An underfill substantially fills a gap disposed between the substrate and the die, wherein a fillet width of the underfill is substantially limited to the area of surface roughness. | 02-20-2014 |
20140061153 | Methods for Forming Apparatus for Stud Bump Formation - An apparatus used for forming stud bumps may be formed by providing a first clamp plate comprising a clamping surface, forming a notcher on the clamping surface, and forming a contact stopper on the clamping surface. The apparatus may include a clamp that includes at least two opposing plates, and at least one of the opposing plates includes a protruding feature that intersects the wire when the wire is clamped forming a first notch in the wire. The method for forming stud bumps includes bonding wire to a bonding surface, releasing the wire from the clamp, passing the wire a notch pitch distance through the clamp, clamping the wire with the clamp forming a second notch in the wire, and breaking the wire leaving a bonded portion of the wire on the bonding surface. | 03-06-2014 |
20140061932 | Methods and Apparatus for Package on Package Structures - A package-on-package (“PoP”) structure and a method of forming are provided. The PoP structure may be formed by forming a first set of electrical connections on a first substrate. A first material may be applied to the first set of electrical connections. A second substrate may be provided having a second set of electrical connections formed thereon. The first set of electrical connections of the first substrate having the epoxy flux applied may be contacted to the second electrical connections of the second substrate. A reflow process may be performed to electrically connect the first substrate to the second substrate. The epoxy flux applied to the first electrical connections of the first substrate may prohibit electrical bridges or shorts from forming during the reflow process. | 03-06-2014 |
20140091509 | Methods for Forming 3DIC Package - A method includes dispensing an underfill between a first package component and a second package component, wherein the first package component is placed on a lower jig, and the second package component is over and bonded to the first package component. A through-opening is in the lower jig and under the first package component. The underfill is cured, wherein during the step of curing the underfill, a force is applied to flatten the first package component. The force is applied by performing an action selected from the group consisting of vacuuming and air blowing through the through-opening. | 04-03-2014 |
20140117563 | Photoactive Compound Gradient Photoresist - A system and method for forming photoresists over semiconductor substrates is provided. An embodiment comprises a photoresist with a concentration gradient. The concentration gradient may be formed by using a series of dry film photoresists, wherein each separate dry film photoresist has a different concentration. The separate dry film photoresists may be formed separately and then placed onto the semiconductor substrate before being patterned. Once patterned, openings through the photoresist may have a tapered sidewall, allowing for a better coverage of the seed layer and a more uniform process to form conductive materials through the photoresist. | 05-01-2014 |
20140131861 | Plasma Treatment for Semiconductor Devices - A semiconductor device having a polymer layer and a method of fabricating the same is provided. A two-step plasma treatment for a surface of the polymer layer includes a first plasma process to roughen the surface of the polymer layer and loosen contaminants, and a second plasma process to make the polymer layer smoother or make the polymer layer less rough. An etch process may be used between the first plasma process and the second plasma process to remove the contaminants loosened by the first plasma process. In an embodiment, the polymer layer exhibits a surface roughness between about 1% and about 8% as measured by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) with the index of surface area difference percentage (SADP) and/or has surface contaminants of less than about 1% of Ti, less than about 1% of F, less than about 1.5% Sn, and less than about 0.4% of Pb. | 05-15-2014 |
20140131863 | Semiconductor Device with Copper-Tin Compound on Copper Connector - An embodiment is a method for forming a semiconductor assembly including cleaning a connector including copper formed on a substrate, applying cold tin to the connector, applying hot tin to the connector, and spin rinsing and drying the connector. | 05-15-2014 |
20140131894 | POP Structures with Air Gaps and Methods for Forming the Same - A device includes a bottom package component that includes a bottom die, and a dam over a top surface of the bottom die. The dam has a plurality of sides forming a partial ring, with an air gap surrounded by the plurality of side portions. The air gap overlaps the bottom die. A top package component is bonded to the bottom package component, wherein the air gap separates a bottom surface of the top package component from the bottom die. | 05-15-2014 |
20140131896 | Exposing Connectors in Packages Through Selective Treatment - A method includes performing an etching step on a package. The package includes a package component, a connector on a top surface of the package component, a die bonded to the top surface of the package component, and a molding material molded over the top surface of the package component. The molding material covers the connector, wherein a portion of the molding material covering the connector is removed by the etching step, and the connector is exposed. | 05-15-2014 |
20140151878 | System and Method for Fine Pitch PoP Structure - A fine pitch package-on-package (PoP), and a method of forming, are provided. The PoP may be formed by placing connections, e.g., solder balls, on a first substrate having a semiconductor die attached thereto. A first reflow process is performed to elongate the solder balls. Thereafter, a second substrate having another semiconductor die attached thereto is connected to the solder balls. A second reflow process is performed to form an hourglass connection. | 06-05-2014 |
20140159233 | PACKAGE ON PACKAGE STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A package on package structure includes a first substrate having a first region and a second region, a bump formed on the first region of the first substrate, a first semiconductor die bonded to the second region of the first substrate, and a semiconductor die package bonded to the first substrate. The bump includes a metallic structure and a plurality of minor elements dispersed in the metallic structure. The semiconductor die package includes a connector bonded to the bump, and the first semiconductor die is between the semiconductor die package and the first substrate. | 06-12-2014 |
20140183732 | PACKAGE ON PACKAGE BONDING STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR FORMING THE SAME - The described embodiments of mechanisms of forming a die package and package on package (PoP) structure involve forming a solder paste layer over metal balls of external connectors of a die package. The solder paste layer protects the metal balls from oxidation. In addition, the solder paste layer enables solder to solder bonding with another die package. Further, the solder paste layer moves an intermetallic compound (IMC) layer formed between the solder paste layer and the metal balls below a surface of a molding compound of the die package. Having the IMC layer below the surface strengthens the bonding structure between the two die packages. | 07-03-2014 |
20140187103 | System and Method for an Improved Fine Pitch Joint - Presented herein are an interconnect and method for forming the same, the method comprising forming an interconnect on a mounting surface of a mounting pad disposed on a first surface of a first substrate, the interconnect comprising a conductive material, optionally solder or metal, the interconnect avoiding the sides of the mounting pad. A molding compound is applied to the first surface of the first substrate and molded around the interconnect to covering at least a lower portion of the interconnect and a second substrate may be mounted on the interconnect. The interconnect may comprise an interconnect material disposed between a first and second substrate and a molding compound disposed on a surface of the first substrate, and exposing a portion of the interconnect. A sidewall of the interconnect material contacts the mounting pad at an angle less than about 30 degrees from a plane perpendicular to the first substrate. | 07-03-2014 |
20140193952 | Methods for Metal Bump Die Assembly - Methods for assembling metal bump dies. In an embodiment, a method includes providing an integrated circuit die having a plurality of conductive terminals; depositing solder to form solder depositions on the conductive terminals; providing a substrate having a die attach region on a surface for receiving the integrated circuit die, the substrate having a plurality of conductive traces formed in the die attach region; aligning the integrated circuit die and the substrate and bringing the plurality of conductive terminals and the conductive traces into contact, so that the solder depositions physically contact the conductive traces; and selectively heating the integrated circuit die and the conductive terminals to a temperature sufficient to cause the solder depositions to melt and reflow, forming solder connections between the conductive traces on the substrate and the conductive terminals on the integrated circuit die. Various energy sources are disclosed for the selective heating. | 07-10-2014 |
20140218100 | A New E-fuse Structure Design in Electrical Programmable Redundancy for Embedded Memory Circuit - An electrical fuse and a method of forming the same are presented. A first-layer conductive line is formed over a base material. A via is formed over the first-layer conductive line. The via preferably comprises a barrier layer and a conductive material. A second-layer conductive line is formed over the via. A first external pad is formed coupling to the first-layer conductive line. A second external pad is formed coupling to the second-layer conductive line. The via, the first conductive line and the second conductive line are adapted to be an electrical fuse. The electrical fuse can be burned out by applying a current. The vertical structure of the preferred embodiment is suitable to be formed in any layer. | 08-07-2014 |
20140231125 | Interconnect Joint Protective Layer Apparatus and Method - Disclosed herein is a mechanism for forming an interconnect comprising forming a connector on an interconnect disposed on a first surface of a first substrate and applying a nonconductive material in a non-liquid form over the interconnect after forming the connector. The nonconductive material covers at least a lower portion of the interconnect, and at least a portion of the interconnect is exposed. The nonconductive material is formed around the connector by pressing the nonconductive material over the connector with a roller. An angle between a top surface of the nonconductive material and a connector sidewall between about 65 degrees and about 135 degrees. The nonconductive material may be formed to extend under the connector. | 08-21-2014 |
20140231988 | Packaging Methods and Packaged Semiconductor Devices - Packaging methods and packaged semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a packaging method includes providing a first die, partially packaging the first die, and forming a plurality of solder balls on a surface of the partially packaged first die. An epoxy flux is disposed over the plurality of solder balls. A second die is provided, and the second die is partially packaged. The plurality of solder balls is coupled to the partially packaged second die. | 08-21-2014 |
20140252594 | Package Structures and Methods for Forming the Same - A packaging structure and a method of forming a packaging structure are provided. The packaging structure, such as an interposer, is formed by optionally bonding two carrier substrates together and simultaneously processing two carrier substrates. The processing includes forming a sacrificial layer over the carrier substrates. Openings are formed in the sacrificial layers and pillars are formed in the openings. Substrates are attached to the sacrificial layer. Redistribution lines may be formed on an opposing side of the substrates and vias may be formed to provide electrical contacts to the pillars. A debond process may be performed to separate the carrier substrates. Integrated circuit dies may be attached to one side of the redistribution lines and the sacrificial layer is removed. | 09-11-2014 |
20140252597 | Directly Sawing Wafers Covered with Liquid Molding Compound - A method includes forming a passivation layer over a metal pad, wherein the metal pad is further overlying a semiconductor substrate of a wafer. A Post-Passivation Interconnect (PPI) is formed to electrically couple to the metal pad, wherein a portion of the PPI is overlying the passivation layer. A metal bump is formed over and electrically coupled to the PPI. The method further includes applying a molding compound over the metal bump and the PPI, applying a release film over the molding compound, pressing the release film against the molding compound, and curing the molding compound when the release film is pressed against the molding compound. The release film is then removed from the molding compound. The wafer is sawed into dies using a blade, with the blade cutting through the molding compound. | 09-11-2014 |
20140252601 | Interconnect Structures and Methods of Forming Same - Embodiments of the present disclosure include interconnect structures and methods of forming interconnect structures. An embodiment is an interconnect structure including a post-passivation interconnect (PPI) over a first substrate and a conductive connector on the PPI. The interconnect structure further includes a molding compound on a top surface of the PPI and surrounding a portion of the conductive connector, a top surface of the molding compound adjoining the conductive connector at an angle from about 10 degrees to about 60 degrees relative to a plane parallel with a major surface of the first substrate, the conductive connector having a first width at the adjoining top surface of the molding compound, and a second substrate over the conductive connector, the second substrate being mounted to the conductive connector. | 09-11-2014 |
20140256092 | Interconnect Structures and Methods of Forming Same - Embodiments of the present disclosure include interconnect structures and methods of forming interconnect structures. An embodiment is a method of forming an interconnect structure, the method including forming a first post-passivation interconnect (PPI) over a first substrate, forming a second PPI over the first substrate, and forming a first conductive connector on the first PPI. The method further includes forming a second conductive connector on the second PPI, and forming a molding compound on top surfaces of the first and second PPIs and surrounding portions of the first and second connectors, a first section of molding compound being laterally between the first and second connectors, the first section of molding compound having a curved top surface. | 09-11-2014 |
20140256126 | Electrical Connectors and Methods for Forming the Same - A method includes coating a photo resist over an Under-Bump Metallurgy (UBM) layer and exposing the photo resist. In the step of exposing, a light amount reaching a bottom of the photo resist is less than about 5 percent of a light amount reaching a top surface of the photo resist. The method further includes developing the photo resist to form an opening in the photo resist. A portion of the UBM layer is exposed through the opening. The opening has a bottom lateral dimension greater than a top lateral dimension. An electrical connector is formed in the opening, wherein the electrical connector is non-reflowable. | 09-11-2014 |
20140264840 | Package-on-Package Structure - A device comprises a top package mounted on a bottom package, wherein the bottom package comprises a plurality of interconnection components and the bottom package comprises a plurality of first bumps formed on a first side of the bottom package, a semiconductor die is bonded on a second side of the bottom package, wherein the semiconductor die is electrically coupled to the first bumps through the interconnection components and the semiconductor die is located between the top package and the bottom package, and an underfill layer formed between the top package and the bottom package. | 09-18-2014 |
20140264842 | Package-on-Package Structure and Method of Forming Same - A device comprises a bottom package comprising interconnect structures, first bumps on a first side and metal bumps on a second side, a semiconductor die bonded on the bottom package, wherein the semiconductor die is electrically coupled to the first bumps through the interconnect structures. The device further comprises a top package bonded on the second side of the bottom package, wherein the top package comprises second bumps, and wherein each second bump and a corresponding metal bump form a joint structure between the top package and the bottom package and an underfill layer formed between the top package and the bottom package, wherein the metal bumps are embedded in the underfill layer. | 09-18-2014 |
20140264856 | Package-on-Package Structures and Methods for Forming the Same - A package includes a package component, which further includes a top surface and a metal pad at the top surface of the package component. The package further includes a non-reflowable electrical connector over and bonded to the metal pad, and a molding material over the package component. The non-reflowable electrical connector is molded in the molding material and in contact with the molding material. The non-reflowable electrical connector has a top surface lower than a top surface of the molding compound. | 09-18-2014 |
20140264863 | Conductive Line System and Process - A system and method for providing a conductive line is provided. In an embodiment the conductive line is formed by forming two passivation layers, wherein each passivation layer is independently patterned. Once formed, a seed layer is deposited into the two passivation layers, and a conductive material is deposited to fill and overfill the patterns within the two passivation layers. A planarization process such as a chemical mechanical polish may then be utilized in order to remove excess conductive material and form the conductive lines within the two passivation layers. | 09-18-2014 |
20140264885 | Apparatus and Method for Wafer Separation - A plurality of macro and micro alignment marks may be formed on a wafer. The macro alignment marks may be formed in pairs at opposite edges of the wafer. The micro alignment marks may be formed to align to streets on the wafer along a first and second direction. A molding compound may be formed on the wafer. The macro alignment marks may be exposed from the molding compound. A pair of the micro alignment marks may be exposed from the molding compound at opposite ends of the streets along the first and the second direction. The wafer may be aligned to a dicing tool using pairs of the macro alignment marks. The dicing tool may be aligned to the streets using pairs of the micro alignment marks. The wafer may be diced using successive pairs of micro alignment marks along the first and second direction. | 09-18-2014 |
20140291881 | WAFER LEVEL TRANSFER MOLDING AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING THE SAME - A method includes placing a package structure into a mold chase, with top surfaces of device dies in the package structure contacting a release film in the mold chase. A molding compound is injected into an inner space of the mold chase through an injection port, with the injection port on a side of the mold chase. During the injection of the molding compound, a venting step is performed through a first venting port and a second venting port of the mold chase. The first venting port has a first flow rate, and the second port has a second flow rate different from the first flow rate. | 10-02-2014 |
20140308764 | Adjusting Sizes of Connectors of Package Components - A device includes a plurality of connectors on a top surface of a package component. The plurality of connectors includes a first connector having a first lateral dimension, and a second connector having a second lateral dimension. The second lateral dimension is greater than the first lateral dimension. The first and the second lateral dimensions are measured in directions parallel to a major surface of the package component. | 10-16-2014 |
20140331462 | Packaging Process Tools and Packaging Methods for Semiconductor Devices - Packaging process tools and packaging methods for semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a packaging process tool for semiconductor devices includes a mechanical structure including a frame. The frame includes a plurality of apertures adapted to retain a plurality of integrated circuit dies therein. The frame includes at least one hollow region. | 11-13-2014 |
20140363966 | Pillar Bumps and Process for Making Same - Apparatus and methods for providing solder pillar bumps. Pillar bump connections are formed on input/output terminals for integrated circuits by forming a pillar of conductive material using plating of a conductive material over terminals of an integrated circuit. A base portion of the pillar bump has a greater width than an upper portion. A cross-section of the base portion of the pillar bump may make a trapezoidal, rectangular, or sloping shape. Solder material may be formed on the top surface of the pillar. The resulting solder pillar bumps form fine pitch package solder connections that are more reliable than those of the prior art. | 12-11-2014 |
20140367867 | Packaging Methods and Packaged Semiconductor Devices - An embodiment is a method including forming a first package and a second package. The first package includes packaging a first die, forming a plurality of solder balls on the first die, and coating the plurality of solder balls with an epoxy flux. The second package includes forming a first electrical connector, attaching a second die adjacent the first electrical connector, forming a interconnect structure over the first die and the first electrical connector, the interconnect structure being a frontside of the second package, forming a second electrical connector over the interconnect structure, and the second electrical connector being coupled to both the first die and the first electrical connector. The method further includes bonding the first package to the backside of the second package with the plurality of solder balls forming a plurality of solder joints, each of the plurality of solder joints being surrounded by the epoxy flux. | 12-18-2014 |
20140374922 | Alignment in the Packaging of Integrated Circuits - A method includes aligning a top package to a bottom package using an alignment mark in the bottom package, and placing the top package over the bottom package, wherein the top package is aligned to the bottom package after the placing the top package over the bottom package. A reflow is then performed to bond the top package to the bottom package. | 12-25-2014 |
20150014851 | INTERCONNECT STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF FABRICATING SAME - A structure comprises a passivation layer formed over a semiconductor substrate, a connection pad enclosed by the passivation layer, a redistribution layer formed over the passivation layer, wherein the redistribution layer is connected to the connection pad, a bump formed over the redistribution layer, wherein the bump is connected to the redistribution layer and a molding compound layer formed over the redistribution layer. The molding compound layer comprises a flat portion, wherein a bottom portion of the bump is embedded in the flat portion of the molding compound layer and a protruding portion, wherein a middle portion of the bump is surrounded by the protruding portion of the molding compound layer. | 01-15-2015 |
20150024575 | Wafer Alignment Methods in Die Sawing Process - A method includes forming a molding compound molding a lower portion of an electrical connector of a wafer therein. The molding compound is at a front surface of the wafer. The molding compound covers a center region of the wafer, and leaves an edge ring of the wafer not covered. An opening is formed to extend from the front surface of the wafer into the wafer, wherein the opening is in the edge ring of the wafer. A backside grinding is performed on the wafer until the opening is revealed through a back surface of the wafer. The method further includes determining a position of a scribe line of the wafer using the opening as an alignment mark, and sawing the wafer from a backside of the wafer by sawing through the scribe line. | 01-22-2015 |
20150044819 | Packaging Methods and Structures for Semiconductor Devices - Packaging methods and structures for semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a packaged semiconductor device includes a redistribution layer (RDL) having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. At least one integrated circuit is coupled to the first surface of the RDL, and a plurality of metal bumps is coupled to the second surface of the RDL. A molding compound is disposed over the at least one integrated circuit and the first surface of the RDL. | 02-12-2015 |