U.S. patent application number 09/942136 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-14 for laser marking techniques.
Invention is credited to Corbett, Tim J..
Application Number | 20020030732 09/942136 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24336542 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020030732 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Corbett, Tim J. |
March 14, 2002 |
Laser marking techniques
Abstract
A laser marking apparatus and method for marking the surface of
a semiconductor chip are described herein. A laser beam is directed
to a location on the surface of the chip where a laser reactive
material, such as a pigment containing epoxy is present. The heat
associated with the laser beam causes the laser reactive material
to fuse to the surface of the chip creating a visibly distinct mark
in contrast to the rest of the surface of the chip. Only reactive
material contacted by the laser fuses to the chip surface, and the
remaining residue on the non-irradiated portion can be readily
removed.
Inventors: |
Corbett, Tim J.; (Boise,
ID) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TRASK BRITT
P.O. BOX 2550
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84110
US
|
Family ID: |
24336542 |
Appl. No.: |
09/942136 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09942136 |
Aug 29, 2001 |
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09618305 |
Jul 18, 2000 |
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09618305 |
Jul 18, 2000 |
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09175306 |
Oct 20, 1998 |
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6108026 |
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09175306 |
Oct 20, 1998 |
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08715746 |
Sep 19, 1996 |
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5838361 |
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08715746 |
Sep 19, 1996 |
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08584246 |
Jan 11, 1996 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
347/224 ;
257/E23.179; 347/262 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41M 5/267 20130101;
H01L 2223/54473 20130101; H01L 2924/00 20130101; B23K 26/0823
20130101; B41M 5/262 20130101; H01L 23/544 20130101; H01L 2924/0002
20130101; H01L 21/67282 20130101; B41M 5/265 20130101; H01L
2924/0002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
347/224 ;
347/262 |
International
Class: |
B41J 002/435; G01D
015/14 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A laser marking apparatus comprising: at least one chip feeder
for automatically feeding individual semiconductor chips to a
marking location; at least one laser having a laser beam mounted
adjacent said chip feeder, said laser beam aligned and directed
toward a chip after feeding said individual semiconductor chip by
said chip feeder to said marking location of said laser marking
apparatus, said laser comprising one type laser of a Nd:YAG laser,
a Nd:YLF laser, and a carbon dioxide laser; a laser reactive
material applicator mounted adjacent said marking location of said
laser marking apparatus, said applicator for applying a laser
reactive material to a surface of said individual semiconductor
chip for producing a mark thereon upon contact by said laser beam,
said laser beam of said laser for contacting said laser reactive
material applied to said surface of said chip for producing said
mark on said surface of said chip.
2. The laser marking apparatus of claim 1, wherein said chip feeder
includes a magazine.
3. The laser marking apparatus of claim 1, wherein said chip feeder
includes at least one conveyor mechanism.
4. The laser marking apparatus of claim 1, wherein said chip feeder
includes at least one carrier containing at least one chip.
5. The laser marking apparatus of claim 4, wherein said at least
one chip has at least two exposed surfaces when disposed in said at
least one carrier.
6. The laser marking apparatus of claim 1, wherein said chip feeder
is gravity fed.
7. The laser marking apparatus of claim 6, further including at
least one automated indexing pin for holding said chips in position
against gravity.
8. The laser marking apparatus of claim 5, wherein said chip feeder
includes a track.
9. The laser marking apparatus of claim 8, wherein said at least
one carrier is oriented in an inverted position on said track.
10. The laser marking apparatus of claim 8, wherein said laser is
oriented in an inverted position relative to said track.
1a. The laser marking apparatus of claim 1, wherein said laser is
movable in at least one direction.
12. The laser marking apparatus of claim 12, wherein said laser
reactive material applicator is movable in conjunction with said
laser.
13. The laser marking apparatus of claim 1, wherein said laser
reactive material contains a pigment.
14. The laser marking apparatus of claim 1, wherein said laser
reactive material changes color when exposed to said laser
beam.
15. The laser marking apparatus of claim 1, wherein said laser
reactive material is an epoxy.
16. The laser marking apparatus of claim 1, wherein said laser
reactive material is a resin.
17. The laser marking apparatus of claim 1, wherein said laser
reactive material is heat absorbent.
18. The laser marking apparatus of claim 1, wherein said laser
reactive material is a ribbon of ink bearing material.
19. The laser marking apparatus of claim 1, further including a CPU
for controlling said laser marking apparatus.
20. The laser marking apparatus of claim 19, wherein said CPU
controls operation and movement of said laser beam.
21. The laser marking apparatus of claim 19, wherein said CPU
controls said laser reactive material applicator.
22. The laser marking apparatus of claim 19, further including a
camera downstream of said laser for photographing said chips.
23. The laser marking apparatus of claim 22, wherein said CPU
receives input from said camera for controlling the quality of said
mark on said chip.
24. The laser marking apparatus of claim 1, wherein said laser
reactive material includes one or more ribbons of ink bearing
material.
25. The laser marking apparatus of claim 1, wherein said laser
reactive material includes a plurality of ribbons of ink bearing
material.
26. The laser marking apparatus of claim 25, wherein said laser
reactive material including a plurality of ribbons of ink bearing
material having at least two different colors of ink.
27. An energy marking apparatus comprising: at least one chip
feeder for automatically feeding an individual semiconductor chip
to a marking location; at least one energy source having an energy
beam mounted adjacent said chip feeder, said energy beam aligned
and directed toward a chip associated with said chip feeder located
at said marking location; an energy reactive material applicator
mounted adjacent said marking location, said energy reactive
material applicator for applying an energy reactive material to a
surface of said individual semiconductor chip for producing a mark
thereon upon contact by said energy beam; and a CPU for controlling
said energy source.
28. The energy marking apparatus of claim 27, wherein said energy
source is a light source.
29. The energy marking apparatus of claim 27, wherein said energy
source is a heat source.
30. The energy marking apparatus of claim 27, wherein said energy
reactive material is light absorbent.
31. The energy marking apparatus of claim 27, wherein said energy
reactive material changes color when exposed to said energy
beam.
32. The laser marking apparatus of claim 27, wherein said CPU
controls operation of the energy marking apparatus.
33. The energy marking apparatus of claim 27, wherein said energy
reactive material applicator is mounted to said energy source so
that movement of said energy source results in movement of said
energy reactive material applicator.
34. The laser marking apparatus of claim 27, wherein said laser
reactive material applicator is a ribbon of ink bearing material
that extends over said surface of said chip.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
09/618,305, filed Jul. 18, 2000, pending, which continuation of
application Ser. No. 09/175,306, filed Oct. 20, 1998, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,108,026, issued Aug. 22, 2000, which is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 08/715,746, filed Sep. 19, 1996, now U.S. Pat.
No. 5,838,361, issued Nov. 17, 1998, which is a divisional of
application Ser. No. 08/584,246, filed Jan. 11, 1996,
abandoned.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to laser marking techniques
and, more specifically, to an apparatus and method for marking the
surface of a bare or packaged semiconductor device comprising one
or more dice, using a laser and a laser reactive material.
[0004] State of the Art
[0005] Since the first semiconductor devices became commercially
available, manufacturers have found it necessary to mark each chip
or assembly of chips (bare die or package) with the company name, a
part or serial number, or other information such as lot number or
die location. Conventional marking methods utilize a mechanical
device to transfer ink contained in an ink pad to the surface of a
stamp. An individual chip is then stamped, and the automated
process is repeated for subsequent chips.
[0006] Because of its mechanical nature and the drying time
associated with ink, an ink stamping process is relatively slow.
Moreover, if the mark is accidentally touched prior to complete
drying, the mark will smudge. In chip manufacturing processes using
such an ink stamping method, the ink marking operation may have to
be included at a relatively early stage of production (if the die
itself is to be marked) or just after post-encapsulation processing
(if the package is to be marked) to allow for drying time without
affecting the production rate. Such early marking may result,
however, in marking defective chips that never make it completely
through the manufacturing process.
[0007] Another problem associated with ink stamping methods is that
the quality of ink stamped marks may substantially vary over time.
This variation may be dependent upon the quantity of ink applied,
ambient temperature and humidity, and/or the condition of the
surface of the stamp. In any event, the consistency of a stamped
mark may vary widely from chip to chip.
[0008] As a result of the deficiencies associated with ink
stamping, it has become increasingly popular to use a laser beam to
mark the surface of a chip. Unlike ink stamping, laser marking is
very fast, requires no curing time, has a consistently high
quality, and can take place at the end of the manufacturing process
so that only good chips are marked.
[0009] Various machines and methods have been developed for marking
a chip with a laser. As illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,077 to
Tsuruta, U.S. Pat. No. 5,329,090 to Woelki et al., U.S. Pat. No.
4,945,204 to Nakamura et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,638,144 to Latta,
Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 4,585,931 to Duncan et al., U.S. Pat. No.
4,375,025 to Carlson, a semiconductor device is placed in a
position where a laser beam, usually produced by a carbon dioxide,
Nd:YAG, or Nd:YLF laser, inscribes various characters or other
information on a surface of the semiconductor device. Basically,
the laser beam burns the surface of the chip such that a different
reflectivity from the rest of the chip surface is formed. By
holding the chip at a proper angle to a light source, the
information inscribed on the chip by the laser can be read.
[0010] Various materials are known in the art that are laser
reactive (e.g., capable of changing color when contacted by a laser
beam). As described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,620 to Azuma et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,863 to Spanjer, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,707,722 to
Folk et al., the part or component may be partially comprised of
the laser markable material or have a coating of the material on
the surface of the part or component to be marked.
[0011] Using a laser to mark a chip is a fast and economical means
of marking. There are, however, certain disadvantages associated
with state-of-the-art laser marking techniques that merely burn the
surface to achieve the desired mark in comparison to ink stamping.
For example, ink stamping provides a clearly visible image on the
surface of a chip at nearly every angle of incidence to a light
source. A mark burned in a surface by a laser, on the other hand,
may only be visible at select angles of incidence to a light
source. Further, oils or other contaminants deposited on the chip
surface subsequent to marking may blur or even obscure the mark.
Additionally, because the laser actually bums the surface of the
work piece, for bare die marking, the associated burning may damage
the internal circuitry of the chip directly or by increasing
internal die temperature beyond acceptable limits. Moreover, where
the manufactured part is not produced of a laser reactive material,
laser reactive coatings applied to the surface of a component may
take hours to cure.
[0012] Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a marking
technique that combines the speed and precision of laser marking
with the contrast and distinctiveness of ink stamping, without any
substantial curing or drying time. Moreover, it would be
advantageous to develop a method and apparatus for marking the
surface of a semiconductor chip that does not harm the circuitry
enclosed therein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] According to the present invention, a laser marking
apparatus and method are disclosed wherein an object is subjected
to a laser beam or other suitable energy source for marking
purposes. While the laser beam is actively marking, a substance is
introduced into the marking work area that interacts with the laser
beam. The substance reacts with the localized heat created by the
laser and forms a new compound on the surface of the package or
surface of the chip. This new compound is selected to contrast
highly with the color and/or surface texture of the surface that
has been marked.
[0014] In another particular aspect of the invention, the surface
of a chip is at least partially covered with a laser reactive
substance prior to being contacted by a laser beam. The substance
may be in either liquid or powder form and may be rolled on,
sprayed on, or otherwise applied by means known in the art. When
subjected to the localized heat created by the laser, a
semi-permanent, solvent-removable mark is formed and bonded to the
surface of the chip. The excess material on the non-irradiated
portion, that is, the portion of the surface not contacted by the
laser beam, is readily removed by an exhaust or residue removal
system and may be recycled for future marking.
[0015] In another, more particular aspect of the invention, an ink
bearing material, or other pigmented or laser reactive
substance-bearing material is disposed adjacent to an exposed
surface of a chip. The laser beam transfers ink contained in the
ink bearing material to the exposed surface of the chip. For
example, the ink bearing material may comprise a ribbon contained
in a ribbon dispenser. During the marking process, as the laser
beam transfers ink from one point on the ribbon to the chip,
another segment of the ribbon may be exposed to the laser beam for
subsequent markings. Such an ink bearing material may also help to
reduce heat produced by the laser beam from substantially
penetrating the surface of the marked chip.
[0016] In a more particular aspect of the invention, a stream of
atomized particles of B-stage epoxy with an added pigment of a
desired color (white for example) is directed at the surface where
the laser is actively marking the specimen. The epoxy reacts to the
heat of the laser and cures to a visible white image coincident
with the path of the laser. The excess particles, those which have
not been directly irradiated by the laser beam, may be removed
along with other debris from the work area by a debris removal
system.
[0017] In another, more particular aspect of the invention, much of
the epoxy is destroyed by the laser. A thermal gradient, however,
along the trailing edge of the laser path causes the epoxy to cure
normally into a final and permanent state, thus producing the
desired mark.
[0018] In another particular aspect of the invention, the laser
reactive material absorbs most of the heat produced by the laser.
As a result, the delicate internal circuitry of the chip is not
exposed to this potentially damaging heat.
[0019] In another aspect of the invention, subsequent to or while
being marked, the chip is subjected to a jet of coolant to rapidly
cool the markings and prevent or reduce the potential for heat
damage to the chip. The coolant may be in a liquid, gas, or solid
state. In this manner, any residual heat contained in the marking
material or present in the surface of the chip may be rapidly
dissipated. The markings are thus completely cured and/or cool
before exiting the marking apparatus.
[0020] In another, more particular aspect of the invention, the
laser marking apparatus is computer controlled. In addition to
controlling the laser beam, chip location, and other process
parameters, the central processing unit (CPU) may control the
quality of markings. If so, the marked chips may be subjected to a
camera which feeds an image of each chip to the CPU. The CPU
compares the pixels of the captured image to a given resolution
standard. If the marking is of a sufficiently high quality, the
chips are automatically accepted. If not, the chips are
automatically rejected for rework and remarking.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a laser marking apparatus
in accordance with the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a chip contained in a first
embodiment of a chip carrier in accordance with the invention shown
in FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a close-up perspective view of a magazine and
chips contained therein in accordance with the invention shown in
FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
chip carrier in accordance with the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of track in
accordance with the chip carrier shown in FIG. 4;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a close-up schematic side view of a first
embodiment of a laser marking apparatus in accordance with the
present invention;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a close-up schematic side view of a second
embodiment of a laser marking apparatus in accordance with the
present invention;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a close-up schematic side view of an alternate
embodiment of a roller-type applicator in accordance with the
present invention; and
[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a packaged semiconductor
device positioned on a track in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, a laser marking apparatus 10 in
accordance with the present invention is illustrated. Generally,
the chips 12 (the term "chips" as used herein refers to both bare
and packaged dice, as the invention has equal utility in the
marking of both) are automatically fed through the laser marking
apparatus 10 for marking purposes. The chips 12 may be fed by a
belt, chain, or pneumatic conveyor system as known in the art,
gravity fed as shown in FIG. 1, or delivered by other means known
in the art. The chips 12 are first stacked in a feed magazine 16
(FIG. 3). When released from the feed magazine 16 by a mechanical
release mechanism as known in the art, the chips 12 exit through an
opening 18 located proximate the bottom 20 of the feed magazine 16
onto the low-friction track 14.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the chips 12 are secured in carriers 11,
preferably made of a statically dissipative material, such as
certain plastics and other materials known in the art. The chip
carriers 11 may be used to handle the chips 12 during many phases
of the manufacturing process, up to and including shipment. The
chips 12 are placed on a base 17 and held in place by projections
19, 21, 23, and 27. Legs 33, 35, 37 and 39 extend downwardly from
the bottom 41 of the base 17. The legs 33 and 35 as well as legs 37
and 39 are separated by a distance D1 sufficient to allow passage
of the track 14. Moreover, legs 35 and 39, as well as legs 33 and
37, are separated by a distance D2 to allow projections 23 and 19
to fit respectively therein whenever the chips 12 are stacked in
their respective carriers 11.
[0032] As seen in FIG. 3, the chips 12 are stacked in the feed
magazine 16. The chips 12, suspended above the track 14 by the feed
magazine 16, are individually released onto the track 14 and
allowed to slide by the force of gravity down the track 14. The
feed magazine 16 automatically releases the chips 12 at constant or
selectively variable intervals dictated by process requirements.
The feed magazine 16 may vary in size to accommodate large or small
numbers of chips 12 and each carrier 11 may vary in size to
accommodate one or more dice.
[0033] Carriers 11 may also be in elongated form to accommodate a
plurality of chips 12 to be marked. As depicted in FIG. 4, an empty
chip carrier 82 is capable of holding at least four (4) chips 12.
The chip carrier 82 may also be modified to hold several dice that
have not been cut apart (if increased in size) or an entire wafer
(if modified to hold round rather than rectangular objects). Chips
12 are held in the carrier 82 by elements 84 which provide an
interference or resiliently-biased fit as desired between the
carrier 82 and a chip 12. Moreover, the chips 12 rest upon the lip
86 so that each chip 12 held by the carrier 82 extends equally
above the top surface 88 of the carrier 82.
[0034] The carrier 82 is adapted to slide along a track positioned
in several different orientations, such as a track 90 shown in FIG.
5. The carrier 82 has legs 92 and 94 depending from and separated
by cross-members 96, 98, 100, 102 and 104 extending the length of
the carrier 82. The legs 92 and 94 are parallel to each other and
have lateral extensions 106 and 108, respectively, spaced from the
cross-members 96, 98, 100, and 102, running the length of the legs
92 and 94 and projecting inwardly for grasping the elongate rails
110 and 112 of the track 90.
[0035] The rails 110 and 112 of the track 90 are shown oriented
back-to-back and having a "C" shaped cross-section and are spaced
apart by members 107. When the carrier 82 is riding on the top of
the track 90, the lateral extensions 106 and 108 grasp the top
portions 114 and 116 of the rails 110 and 112, respectively. If the
carrier 82 is suspended from the bottom of the track 90 (in an
inverted orientation), the lateral extensions 106 and 108 grasp the
bottom portions 118 and 120, respectively. Moreover, because the
carrier 82 is designed to actually grasp the track 90 rather than
merely ride on it, the track may be placed in any orientation.
[0036] When the chips 12 are placed in the carrier 82 and the
carrier 82 is positioned on the track 90, the marking operation may
occur on either side. That is, because both sides of the chip 12
are exposed, neither the top nor the bottom of the chip 12 has any
substantial portion covered by the carrier 82. If the chips 12 in
the carrier 82 are automatically inspected, defective chips 12 may
be automatically popped out of the carrier 82. A solvent or other
substance, or even a de-marking laser, may be used to remove the
defective mark and the chip 12 may then be reloaded into a carrier
82 and remarked. Thus, the requirements of the process and of the
marking and inspection apparatus can dictate the orientation of the
track 90, the carriers 82 thereon, and the chips 12 in the carriers
82.
[0037] The carrier 82 is also suited for stacking with other
similar carriers. Extending longitudinally along the length of the
top surface 88 of the outside edges 103 and 105 of the carrier 82
are channels 95 and 97 sized and shaped to receive extensions 99
and 101 extending downwardly from legs 92 and 94, respectively. The
extensions 99 and 101 also extend longitudinally the length of the
carrier 82 along the bottom 93 of the carrier 82. The extensions 99
and 101 extend downwardly from the lateral extensions 106 and 108,
respectively, a sufficient distance so that when stacked, the
lateral extensions 106 and 108 are spaced above the chips 12
contained in the carrier 82.
[0038] For typical packaged dice (chips) 122, such as that shown in
FIG. 6, the chip 122 can ride directly on the track 14 without
being placed in a carrier. The connecting tabs 124 located on the
sides 126 and 128 of the chip 122 keep the chip 122 properly
aligned on the track 14. Moreover, the track 14 is of a width W so
that the chips 122 stay in longitudinal and latitudinal alignment
with the track 14. The chips 122 can also be loaded onto the track
14 by a feed magazine of a modified version of feed magazine 16 and
loaded into a shipping magazine such as tubular shipping magazine
50 (FIG. 1).
[0039] FIG. 1 shows laser marking apparatus 10 of the present
invention in a gravity feed arrangement where the track 14 is
placed at an angle A relative to the horizon such that the force of
static friction between the carriers 11 and the track 14 is less
than the force of gravity along the line of the track 14 on the
carriers 11. When the chips 12 are released from the feed magazine
16, several chips 12 are staged, six (6) in this case, by automated
indexing pins 22 and 24 at the initial staging area 13. Once the
chips 12 are staged, indexing pin 24 is retracted to allow the
staged chips 12 to slide on the track 14 until stopped by indexing
pin 26 at the marking area 25. The chips 12 are held in place by
indexing pin 26 until all of the chips 12 retained by indexing pin
26 are marked by the laser 28. The laser 28 may be comprised of a
carbon dioxide, Nd:YAG, Nd:YLF laser or other suitable lasers or
devices, such as an electron beam emitter, known in the art. The
laser 28 is longitudinally translatable along the support 30 in at
least one direction so that all of the chips 12 retained by
indexing pin 26 can be marked by the laser 28 in a single pass.
[0040] Once the laser 28 marks the chips 12, indexing pin 26 is
retracted and the chips 12 are allowed to slide until retained by
indexing pin 32 at the debris removal and inspection area 31. As
the chips 12 pass from indexing pin 26 to indexing pin 32, they
slide under the debris removal system 34. The debris removal system
34 may employ suction, forced air and/or other methods known in the
art to clean the surface 54 (FIG. 7) of the chip 12 without
disturbing the markings thereon (not shown). Moreover, any marking
material that remains in the recovered residue may be reprocessed
for future chip marking.
[0041] The chip 12, adjacent the indexing pin 32, is then inspected
by the camera 36 which may be a CCD camera or other suitable camera
known in the art. That is, the camera 36 photographs the image of
the surface 54 of the chip 12 and the markings contained thereon
and sends this image to a central processing unit, such as CPU 80
in FIG. 1. The image received by the CPU 80 is broken down into
individual pixels and the pixels are compared to a minimum
standard. Once the image is received and compared by the CPU 80,
each chip 12 is released by the indexing pin 32. The adjacent,
upstream chips 12 are maintained in position by the indexing pin 38
until each is released for inspection. If the chip 12 released by
the indexing pin 32 is acceptable according to the comparison made
by the CPU 80, then the chip 12 is allowed to slide on the track 14
to the final staging area 40. If the chip 12 is determined by the
CPU 80 to be unacceptable, a trap door 42 is opened and the chip 12
falls into a bin 44 so that the chip 12 may be reworked and
remarked.
[0042] An electronic eye 46 is positioned to identify when a proper
number, in this case six (6), of acceptable chips 12 are ready to
be packaged. Once the proper number of chips 12 is achieved, the
indexing pin 48 is activated until all of the chips 12 held in the
final staging area 40 have been loaded into a shipping magazine
50.
[0043] The laser marking apparatus 10, disclosed herein only
requires an operator to load the feed magazine 16 with chips 12 to
be marked and to remove and replace the shipping magazine 50 when
full. The rest of the marking/inspection operation is completely
automated and controlled by the CPU 80. Moreover, it is possible
for the CPU 80 to control multiple track arrangements
simultaneously.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 7, a close-up view of the laser 28 in
relation to the chip 12 is shown. The laser 28 projects a movable
laser beam 52 onto the surface 54 of the chip 12 to mark the chip
12. As the laser beam 52 is directed toward the chip surface 54, a
laser reactive material 58 is injected through an applicator or
pigment nozzle 60 onto the chip surface 54 at the same location 56
that the beam contacts the chip 12. The heat from the laser beam 52
fuses the laser reactive material 58 onto the chip surface 54.
Laser reactive material 58 present on any non-irradiated portion of
the chip 12 that has not been exposed to the laser beam 52 and is
therefore unreacted does not bond to the chip surface 54 and is
subsequently removed.
[0045] A coolant 62 may also be injected from a coolant injector or
nozzle 64 onto the surface 54 of the chip 12 and onto the laser
reactive material 58 present on the chip surface 54. If a coolant
62 is used, any residual heat contained in the chip 12 or the laser
reactive material 58 may be quickly dissipated. This may be
necessary to help protect the delicate circuitry of a bare die from
the heat of the laser beam 52. The laser 28 is shown without the
coolant nozzle 64 in FIG. 1. The use of a coolant 62 also prevents
or insures the laser reactive material 58, which may be an epoxy
material that may cure at a relatively low temperature, from curing
prematurely, thereby decreasing the need for relatively high curing
temperature epoxies to be used in the marking process.
[0046] As can be seen, both the pigment nozzle 60 and the coolant
nozzle 64 are attached to the laser 28 so that any movement of the
laser results in movement of the nozzles 60 and 64. Thus, the laser
28 and the nozzles 60 and 64 translate together, and are thus
synchronous, so that a minimum amount of laser reactive material 58
and coolant 62 is required. Moreover, the marking location
immediately surrounding the target surface on each chip 12 for
laser beam 52 may be placed in a reduced or negative pressure
environment with respect to the surrounding work area, by means
known in the art to reduce overspray that may otherwise settle on
the chip 12 or drift onto the track 14 or other parts of the laser
marking apparatus 10.
[0047] In FIG. 8, an alternate embodiment is shown having a ribbon
dispenser 66 comprised of a feed reel 68 and a take-up reel 70. The
ribbon dispenser 66 dispenses a ribbon or strip of ink bearing
material 72 from the feed reel 68 to the take-up reel 70. The
ribbon 72 extends over and is proximate to the surface 54 of the
chip 12. The ribbon 72 may also extend over a number of chips 12 or
several ribbon dispensers 66 may be placed side by side so that
marking of several chips 12 can occur sequentially or so that
multiple colors may be used in the marking process. The chips 12
are allowed to pass under the ribbon 72 as they slide along the
track 14. When the chips have moved to the marking area 25, the
laser 28 projects a laser beam 52 onto the surface of the ribbon 72
and transfers ink from the ribbon 72 onto the surface 54 of the
chip 12. One advantage of the embodiment of FIG. 8 is the
elimination of liquid pigments and coolants, the latter being due
to absorbance of the laser energy by the ribbon 72 carrying the
marking material. Another advantage is that the marking process
using a ribbon 72 is cleaner in that no excess particles of marking
material are present in the marking area to contaminate the marking
area and chip in undesired areas.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 9, the laser reactive material may be
applied by a motorized roller 130 rotatably attached to a roller
support 135. An open-celled sponge or fiber pad 132 is held against
the roller 130 by a support member 134. The support member also
supplies the laser reactive material to the pad 132, the
arrangement functioning like a shoe-polish applicator. The roller
is held in contact with the top surface 54 of the chips 12 and
forces the chips 12 between the roller and the track 14. Because
the pad 132 continually supplies laser reactive material to the
roller 130, each chip 12 receives a consistent layer of material.
The chips 12 can then be laser marked. The application of laser
reactive material to the roller 130 could also be achieved by
spray, drip or other methods known in the art.
[0049] While the present invention has been described in terms of
certain preferred embodiments, it is not so limited, and those of
ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize and appreciate
that many additions, deletions and modifications to the embodiments
described herein may be made without departing from the scope of
the invention as hereinafter claimed. As used in the claims, as in
the preceding specification, the term "chip" or "chips" is intended
to mean and encompass both the circuit side and/or back (Si) side
of the semiconductor dice, and packaged semiconductor dice.
[0050] Additionally, while the invention has been described in
conjunction with the use of a laser as an energy source for the
marking of a chip or chips, any suitable energy source may be used
in place of the laser energy source, such as a focused ultraviolet
light source, electron beam, focused and directed hot air source,
etc.
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