U.S. patent application number 11/477736 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-03 for carrier tape with integrated cover tape.
Invention is credited to David A. Carey, Andrew Contes.
Application Number | 20080000804 11/477736 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38875474 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080000804 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carey; David A. ; et
al. |
January 3, 2008 |
Carrier tape with integrated cover tape
Abstract
Embodiments of a carrier tape having an integrated cover tape
are disclosed. The carrier tape may comprise a base having a number
of spaced-apart pockets. A first cover tape piece and a second
cover tape piece may each be secured to the carrier tape base.
Opposing inner ends of the first and second cover tape pieces
extend toward the center of the carrier tape base and over portions
of the pockets, and a gap exists between these opposing inner
edges. The gap overlies the pockets, but this gap is sized to
retain parts within the pockets when the cover tape pieces are "at
rest." A separator tool may be inserted within this gap and
underneath the first and second cover tape pieces, and this
separator tool may spread apart the cover tape pieces, allowing
parts to be removed from or placed in the carrier tape. Other
embodiments are described and claimed.
Inventors: |
Carey; David A.; (Phoenix,
AZ) ; Contes; Andrew; (Chandler, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
INTEL CORPORATION;c/o INTELLEVATE, LLC
P.O. BOX 52050
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
38875474 |
Appl. No.: |
11/477736 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/714 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 13/0084
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/714 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A carrier tape comprising: a base including an upper surface and
a number of spaced apart pockets extending down from the upper
surface, each pocket sized to receive a part; a first piece of
cover tape secured to the base, the first piece of cover tape
extending over a portion of each of the pockets; and a second piece
of cover tape secured to the base, the second piece of cover tape
extending over a portion of each of the pockets; wherein a gap
exists between the first and second pieces of cover tape, the gap
overlying the pockets.
2. The carrier tape of claim 1, wherein the first and second pieces
of cover tape can be separated to an extent sufficient to allow
access to one of the pockets.
3. The carrier tape of claim 1, wherein a center of the gap
overlies a centerline of the base.
4. The carrier tape of claim 1, wherein each of the first and
second pieces of cover tape is secured to the upper surface of the
base.
5. The carrier tape of claim 1, wherein the first and second pieces
of cover tape are each secured to the base by a process selected
from a group consisting of ultrasonic welding, adhesive bonding,
and thermocompression bonding.
6. The carrier tape of claim 1, wherein the carrier tape and the
first and second pieces of cover tape are integrally formed using
an extrusion process.
7. The carrier tape of claim 1, wherein the carrier tape comprises
a material selected from a group consisting of polycarbonate,
polystyrene, trilaminate polycarbonate with an acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS) core, a homogeneous blend of two or more
plastics, and paper.
8. The carrier tape of claim 1, wherein the first and second pieces
of cover tape are each comprises of a material selected from a
group consisting of polyester, polycarbonate, polystyrene,
trilaminate polycarbonate with an ABS core, a homogeneous blend of
two or more plastics, and paper.
9. The carrier tape of claim 1, wherein the number of spaced-apart
pockets comprises a first row of pockets, the carrier tape further
comprising: at least a second row of spaced apart pockets disposed
on the base adjacent the first row of pockets; wherein the first
and second cover tape pieces can be separated to an extend
sufficient to allow access to at least one pocket in the first row
and one pocket in the second row.
10. A method comprising: providing a base including an upper
surface and a number of spaced-apart pockets extending down from
the upper surface, each pocket sized to receive a part; securing a
first piece of cover tape to the base, the first cover tape piece
extending over a portion of each of the pockets; and securing a
second piece of cover tape to the base, the second cover tape piece
extending over a portion of each of the pockets; wherein a gap is
provided between the first and second pieces of cover tape, the gap
overlying the pockets.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first and second pieces of
cover tape can be separated to an extent sufficient to allow access
to one of the pockets.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein a center of the gap overlies a
centerline of the base.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the first and second
pieces of cover tape is secured to the upper surface of the
base.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the first and second
pieces of cover tape is secured to the base along a bond line
extending respective lengths of the base and cover tape pieces.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the bond line for each of the
first and second pieces of cover tape is formed by a process
selected from a group consisting of ultrasonic welding, adhesive
bonding, and thermocompression bonding.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein the first and second pieces of
cover tape are secured to the base simultaneously.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the base and the first and
second pieces of cover tape are integrally formed using an
extrusion process.
18. The method of claim 10, wherein the base comprises a material
selected from a group consisting of polycarbonate, polystyrene,
trilaminate polycarbonate with an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
(ABS) core, a homogeneous blend of two or more plastics, and
paper.
19. The method of claim 10, wherein the first and second pieces of
cover tape are each comprises of a material selected from a group
consisting of polyester, polycarbonate, polystyrene, trilaminate
polycarbonate with an ABS core, a homogeneous blend of two or more
plastics, and paper.
20. The method of claim 10, wherein the number of spaced-apart
pockets comprises a first row of pockets and the base further
comprises: at least a second row of spaced apart pockets disposed
on the base adjacent the first row of pockets; wherein the first
and second cover tape pieces can be separated to an extend
sufficient to allow access to at least one pocket in the first row
and one pocket in the second row.
21. A method comprising: spreading apart opposing portions of a
first piece of cover tape and a second piece of cover tape,
respectively, to provide access to a pocket, the pocket one of a
number of spaced-apart pockets disposed on a carrier tape, the
first and second pieces of cover tape secured to the carrier tape;
and accessing the pocket.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein accessing the pocket comprises
placing a part into the pocket or removing a part from the
pocket.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the part comprises an
integrated circuit device.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein spreading apart opposing
portions of the first and second pieces of cover tape comprises:
inserting a separator tool into a gap between the first and second
pieces of cover tape; and advancing the carrier tape to align the
pocket with the separator tool, the separator tool spreading apart
the opposing portions of the first and second cover tape
pieces.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the separator tool includes an
aperture and the pocket is accessed through the aperture.
26. A system comprising: a source tape reel to hold a length of
carrier tape, the carrier tape including a number of spaced-apart
pockets, the carrier tape further including a first piece of cover
tape and a second piece of cover tape, each of the first and second
cover tape pieces secured to the carrier tape; and a separator
tool, the separator tool to spread apart opposing portions of the
first and second pieces of cover tape to provide access to one of
the pockets.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein the carrier tape is advanced
relative to the separator tool.
28. The system of claim 26, wherein the separator tool is advanced
relative to the carrier tape.
29. The system of claim 26, further comprising a take-up reel to
receive the length of carrier tape.
30. The system of claim 26, wherein the separator tool comprises: a
body; and an aperture extending through the body, wherein the one
pocket is accessed through the aperture.
31. The system of claim 30, wherein the body of the separator tool
includes a leading portion that is sized and shaped to spread apart
opposing inner edges of the first and second cover tape pieces to
create a gap having a width at least equal to a dimension of the
aperture.
32. The system of claim 26, further comprising a pick-and-place
mechanism to insert a part into the one pocket or remove a part
from the one pocket.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate generally to media for
handling parts, such as integrated circuit devices, and more
particularly to a carrier tape having an integrated cover tape.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A carrier tape capable of holding a number of parts, such as
integrated circuit (IC) die, may be utilized to facilitate
automation and handling of these components. A typical carrier tape
comprises a flexible tape having a row (or multiple rows) of evenly
spaced pockets distributed along it's length. Each pocket is
configured to receive an individual part--e.g., a bare die, a
packaged die or other die assembly, etc.--and a cover tape may be
adhered to an upper surface of the carrier tape to cover each
pocket (and perhaps retain the die on the carrier tape). A pressure
sensitive adhesive or heat activated adhesive may be used to secure
the cover tape onto the carrier tape. The carrier tape can be wound
onto a tape reel, and a row of small indexing holes may be
distributed along the length of the carrier tape adjacent an edge
of the tape, these indexing holes facilitating movement of the
carrier tape and/or tape reel by automated handing equipment.
[0003] To hold parts in their respective pockets on a carrier tape,
an adhesive may be pre-applied in each of the pockets. When a part
is placed in a pocket, the part contacts the pre-applied adhesive,
which secures the part within that pocket. To then remove a part
from a pocket of the carrier tape, the adhesive bond between that
part and the pre-applied adhesive in the pocket must be overcome in
order to release the part. Use of a pre-applied pocket adhesive can
present part handling and automation challenges, as release of
parts from the carrier tape may be difficult. Alternatively, as
suggested above, rather than using a pre-applied adhesive in each
pocket, the cover tape itself may, when adhered to the carrier
tape, secure each part within it--s respective pocket. However,
application and subsequent lift-off of the cover tape can also
present part handling and automation problems due to the complexity
of applying and removing the cover tape.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a top plan view
of an embodiment of a carrier tape having an integrated cover
tape.
[0005] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional elevation view of the carrier
tape of FIG. 1A, as taken along line B-B of FIG. 1A.
[0006] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional elevation view of the carrier
tape of FIG. 1A, as taken along line C-C of FIG. 1A.
[0007] FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional elevation view of another
embodiment of the carrier tape of FIGS. 1A-1C.
[0008] FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional elevation view of a further
embodiment of the carrier tape of FIGS. 1A-1C.
[0009] FIGS. 2A-2C are schematic diagrams of the carrier tape shown
in FIGS. 1A-1C respectively, in conjunction with an embodiment of a
separator tool.
[0010] FIGS. 3A-3C are schematic diagrams, each illustrating
another embodiment of a separator tool.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a
method of removing parts from, or placing parts on, a carrier tape
having an integrated cover tape.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of
a system for removing parts from, or placing parts on, a carrier
tape having an integrated cover tape.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a
method for making a carrier tape having an integrated cover
tape.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Referring to FIGS. 1A through 1C, illustrated are
embodiments of a carrier tape 100 having an integrated cover tape.
A top plan view of the carrier tape 100 with integrated cover tape
is provided in FIG. 1A. A cross-sectional elevation view, as taken
along line B-B of FIG. 1A, is shown in FIG. 1B, whereas another
cross-sectional elevation view, as taken along line C-C of FIG. 1A,
is shown in FIG. 1C. The carrier tape with integrated cover tape
provides a carrier medium for a number of parts, such as, for
example, integrated circuit die 5.
[0015] With reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, in one embodiment, the
carrier tape 100 comprises a base 110 having an upper side 111 and
an opposing lower side 112. Disposed on the base 110 is a row of
spaced-apart pockets 120. Typically, the pockets 120 are evenly
spaced apart; however, in another embodiment the pockets may not be
evenly spaced. Each of the pockets 120 comprises a recess extending
downward below the upper side or surface 111, and this recess is
accessible from the first side 111. The pockets 120 are each
capable of receiving an integrated circuit die 5 (or,
alternatively, a packaged die, die assembly, or other component).
An aperture 122 at the bottom of each pocket 120 may allow for
insertion of a pin (from lower side 112) to assist in extraction of
any component placed in a pocket 120. Although a single row of
pockets 120 is shown in the figures, in other embodiments, multiple
rows of pockets may be distributed along the length of the carrier
tape 100. The pockets 120 may be formed by any suitable process,
such as, for example, an embossing process, a molding process, etc.
Also, in one embodiment, disposed along the edges (or, perhaps, one
of the edges) of the base 110 is a row of indexing holes 115. A
drive gear having teeth adapted to engage the indexing holes 115,
or other mechanism capable of engaging the indexing holes, can be
used to advance the carrier tape 100 (either alone or in
combination with motion of a take-up reel).
[0016] The carrier tape 100 further comprises a cover tape,
including a first cover tape piece 150a and a second cover tape
piece 150b. In one embodiment, each of the cover tape pieces 150a,
150b is flexibly secured to the carrier tape 100. For example, in
the illustrated embodiment, the first cover tape piece 150a is
secured to the carrier tape upper surface 111 along a bond line
155a. This bond line 155a extends along the lengths of the carrier
tape base 110 and first cover tape piece 150a, respectively, and
this bond line 155a is disposed proximate an outer edge 151a of the
first cover tape piece 150a. First cover tape piece 150a extends
from the outer edge 151a over a portion 126 of each pocket 120 and
to an opposing inner edge 152a. Similarly, the second cover tape
piece 150b is secured to the carrier tape upper surface 111 along a
second bond line 155b, the bond line 155b extending along the
lengths of the carrier tape base 110 and second cover tape piece
150b, respectively. The bond line 155b is disposed proximate an
outer edge 151b of the second cover tape piece 150b, and the second
cover tape piece 150b extends from its outer edge 151b over a
portion 127 of each pocket 120 and to an opposing inner edge
152b.
[0017] A gap 160 exists between the respective inner edges 152a,
152b of the first and second cover tape pieces 150a, 150b. As will
be further described below, the gap 160 is sized and located to
prevent the escape of a part (e.g., a die 5) from each of the
pockets 120 when the cover tape pieces 150a, 150b are in a first
"at rest" position (i.e., the positions shown in FIGS. 1A-1C). In
one embodiment, the gap 160 has a width that comprises up to
approximately fifty percent of the width of a pocket 120. As shown
in FIGS. 1A-1C, the gap 160 may be centered approximately over a
centerline of the carrier tape 100 (e.g., each of the cover tape
pieces 150a, 150b may extend toward the centerline of the carrier
tape approximately the same distance). However, in other
embodiments, the gap 160 may be off-center.
[0018] In one embodiment, the cover tape pieces 150a, 150b are
comprised of a flexible material, and the first cover tape piece
150a is capable of flexing about the bond line 155a, whereas the
second cover tape piece 150b is capable of flexing about the bond
line 155b (e.g., the bond lines 155a, 155b function similar to a
hinges for the first and second cover tape pieces 150a, 150b,
respectively). The cover tape pieces 150a, 150b are shown in a
first position in FIGS. 1A-1C, wherein the first and second cover
tape pieces 150a, 150b rest against (or in proximity to) the upper
side 111 of the carrier tape base 110. This first position may be
termed the "at rest" or "unflexed" position (although it should be
understood that the cover tape pieces may be pre-stressed at this
first position in order to assist in retaining parts within the
pockets 120). In this first position, the cover tape pieces 150a,
150b will retain parts within the pockets 120, as the gap 160 is
sufficiently narrower than a dimension of a part (e.g., a die 5)
within a pocket 120 to prevent escape of the part from the pocket.
However, due to the flexibility of the cover tape material and/or
the ability of the cover tape pieces 150a, 150b to flex about their
respective bond lines 155a, 155b, the cover tape pieces are capable
of flexing to a second position at which a pocket 120 can be
accessed (either to insert or remove a part), as will be described
below.
[0019] The cover tape pieces 150a, 150b may be secured to the
carrier tape 100 using any suitable attachment method. In one
embodiment, the bond lines 155a, 155b are formed using an
ultrasonic welding process. In another embodiment, the bond lines
155a, 155b are formed using an adhesive (e.g., an epoxy, a pressure
sensitive adhesive, a heat activated adhesive, etc.). In a further
embodiment, the bond lines 155a, 155b are formed by a
thermocompression bonding process. In yet another embodiment, the
carrier tape 100 and cover tape pieces 150a, 150b are integrally
formed as a single part using an extrusion process. It should be
understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are not limited
to the aforementioned methods of forming the carrier tape 100 with
integrated cover tape pieces 150a, 150b and, further, that any
suitable techniques may be employed to secure the cover tape pieces
to the carrier tape base or otherwise manufacture the carrier tape
100.
[0020] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1C, each of the outer edges
151a, 151b of the first and second cover tape pieces 150a, 150b,
respectively, extends to a position inside one of the opposing rows
of indexing holes 115, and the bond lines 155a, 155b are formed
inwards of the indexing holes 115. However, the disclosed
embodiments are not limited to this configuration. For example, as
shown in FIG. 1D, in another embodiment the outer edges 151a, 151b
of the first and second cover tape pieces 150a, 150b, respectively,
may extend to the opposing outer edges of the carrier tape base
110. In this embodiment, the cover tape pieces 150a, 150b may
include indexing holes 159a, 159b, respectively, aligned with the
indexing holes 115 on the carrier tape base. The bond lines
securing the cover tape pieces 150a, 150b to the carrier tape base
110 may be formed outwards of the indexing holes 115, 159a-b, or
the bond lines may be formed inwards of the indexing holes (as
shown in FIGS. 1A-1C).
[0021] In another embodiment, a shown in FIG. 1E, each of the outer
edges 151a, 151b of the first and second cover tape pieces 150a,
150b, respectively, may extend over and wrap around the opposing
edges of the carrier tape base 110. The cover tape pieces 150a,
150b may again includes indexing holes 159a, 159b aligned with the
indexing holes 115 on the carrier tape. In the embodiment of FIG.
1E, the bond lines securing the cover tape pieces 150a, 150b to the
carrier tape base 110 may lie outwards of the indexing holes 115,
159a-b, and the wrap-around configuration of the cover tape pieces
150a, 150b may form the bonds between the cover tape pieces and the
carrier tape base (or at least assist in coupling the cover tape
pieces to the base).
[0022] The carrier tape base 110 may comprise any suitable
material. Examples of materials that may be suitable for
fabrication of the carrier tape base 110 include polycarbonate,
polystyrene, trilaminate polycarbonate with an ABS (acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene) core, a homogeneous blend of two or more
plastics, and paper (or cardboard or other wood pulp-based
products). The cover tape pieces 150a, 150b may also be constructed
from any suitable material. In one embodiment, the cover tape
pieces 150a, 150b comprise a flexible material capable of deforming
to allow placement or removal of parts from the carrier tape, as
described above, and also capable of returning to their original
undeformed positions after part placement or removal (e.g., without
undergoing plastic deformation). Examples of materials that may be
suitable for construction of the cover tape pieces 150a, 150b
include polyester, polycarbonate, polystyrene, trilaminate
polycarbonate with an ABS core, a homogeneous blend of two or more
plastics, and paper (or cardboard or other wood pulp-based
products). According to one embodiment, the carrier tape base 110
and the cover tape pieces 150a, 150b comprise the same material;
however, in other embodiments the carrier tape base and the cover
tape pieces comprise different materials. In another embodiment,
the cover tape pieces 150a, 150b comprise a material that is
capable of being bonded to the material of the carrier tape base
110 by an ultrasonic welding process. In yet another embodiment,
the carrier tape base 110 and cover tape pieces 150a-b comprise a
material that is amenable to formation by an extrusion process.
Also, the components of carrier tape 100 may have any suitable
thickness. According to one embodiment, the carrier tape base 110
has a thickness of between approximately 0.28 mm and 0.38 mm, and
the cover tape pieces 150a, 150b each have a thickness of between
0.048 mm and 0.08 mm. It should be understood that, in FIGS. 1A-1E
(and FIGS. 2A-2C), the respective thicknesses (and perhaps other
dimensions) of the carrier tape base 110 and cover tape pieces
150a, 150b have been exaggerated for ease of illustration and,
further, that no unnecessary limitations should be drawn from these
figures.
[0023] Turning to FIGS. 2A-2C, the manner in which a part may be
placed on or removed from the carrier tape 100 is illustrated in
greater detail. The carrier tape 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C is again shown
in FIGS. 2A-2C, and the elements of the carrier tape have retained
the same numerical designation in FIGS. 2A-2C. Further, the lines
B-B and C-C are again shown in FIG. 2A, and the same relationships
exist between FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C as exist between FIGS. 1A, 1B,
and 1C.
[0024] With reference now to FIGS. 2A-2C, a separator tool 200 has
been inserted underneath the first and second carrier tape pieces
150a, 150b, and between these cover tape pieces and the upper
surface 111 of the carrier tape base 110. The separator tool 200 is
generally centered relative to the gap 160 and/or the centerline of
the carrier tape 100. Note that in FIG. 2A, for ease of
illustration, that portion of the separator tool 200 underlying the
carrier tape pieces 150a, 150b is shown in solid line (rather than
hidden line). In one embodiment, separator tool 200 comprises any
device capable of spreading apart the first and second cover tape
pieces 150a, 150b to an extent sufficient to allow access to one
(or more) of the pockets 120 on carrier tape 100. In another
embodiment, the separator tool 200 comprises a device capable of
sufficiently separating the first and second cover tape pieces
150a, 150b to allow access to a pocket without permanently
deforming (e.g., causing plastic deformation) or otherwise damaging
the cover tape pieces or the bonds securing these pieces to the
cover tape base 110. Also, the separator tool 200 may enable access
to one pocket 120 on carrier tape 100 or, in other embodiments, the
separator tool 200 may be capable of providing simultaneous access
to multiple pockets on the carrier tape 100 (e.g., access to two or
more pockets 120 in the row of pockets of the embodiment
illustrated in the figures or, in other embodiments, access to two
or more pockets in multiple rows of pockets disposed on a carrier
tape).
[0025] Generally, as noted above, the separator tool 200 comprises
any device capable of spreading apart the first and second cover
tape pieces 150a, 150b to an extent sufficient to allow access to
one (or more) of the pockets 120 on carrier tape 100. In the
illustrated embodiment, the separator tool 200 comprises a body 205
having an aperture 210 extending therethrough. The aperture 210,
when centered approximately over a pocket 120, provides an opening
through which a part may be inserted into a pocket or,
alternatively, through which a part may be removed from a pocket.
In another embodiment, the aperture 210 may provide access to two
or more pockets on the carrier tape. In a further embodiment, the
separator tool 200 may include two or more apertures, providing
access to two or more pockets on a carrier tape.
[0026] The body 205 of separator tool 200 further comprises a
leading portion 220 and a trailing portion 230. Leading portion 220
has a size and shape that, when the carrier tape 100 is advanced
relative to the separator tool 200 (or the separator tool advanced
relative to the carrier tape), tends to lift the cover tape pieces
150a, 150b upwards while also spreading apart the respective inner
edges 152a, 152b of cover tape pieces. When pushed upwards and
outwards by the separator tool 200, the cover tape pieces 150a,
150b will undergo at least some flexing, although plastic
deformation should be avoided or minimized. Further, the extent to
which the cover tape pieces 150a, 150b deform should not lead to
delamination of the bond lines 155a, 155b. In the "flexed" or
"separated" condition, the cover tape pieces 150a, 150b should be
separated such that a gap 165 exists between the cover tape inner
edges 152, 152b (best seen in FIGS. 2A and 2C), thereby allowing
access to a pocket 120 through the aperture 210 of the separator
tool 200. When the separator tool 200 has created a gap 165 between
the cover tape pieces 150a, 150b, a part (e.g., a die 5) may be
placed or removed from one (or more) of the pockets 120 on carrier
tape 100.
[0027] In one embodiment, the trailing portion 230 of separator
tool body 205 has a size and shape that, when the carrier tape 100
advances relative to the separator tool 220 (or the separator tool
advanced relative to the carrier tape), allows the cover tape
pieces 150a, 150b to return to their respective original "at rest"
positions. According to one embodiment, the trialing portion 230
has a size and shape that provides for the gradual transition of
the cover tape pieces 150a, 150b from the "flexed" position to the
"at rest" position. According to one embodiment, the leading and
trailing portions 220, 230 of the separator tool body 205 have
substantially the same size and shape; however, in other
embodiments these two portions of the tool body may have different
configurations.
[0028] The size and shape of the separator tool 200 shown in FIGS.
2A-2C is presented by way of example, and it should be understood
that the separator tool 200 may have any other suitable shape. Some
other possible configurations of a separator tool 200 are
provided--by way of example and without limitation--in each of
FIGS. 3A through 3C. In each of FIGS. 3A-3C, a top plan view of the
separator tool 200 is shown on the left-hand side, whereas a front
elevation view is shown on the right-hand side. Also, reference
numerals identifying the features of the separator tool shown in
FIGS. 2A-2C are used in each of FIGS. 3A-3C to identify similar
features. The separator tool 200 may be constructed from any
suitable material. Examples of materials believed suitable for
construction of the separator tool include Teflon.RTM. and
Delron.RTM.. Also, in one embodiment, the separator tool 200 is
formed of a material that prevents or minimizes the potential for
electrostatic discharge (ESD).
[0029] Turning next to FIG. 4, illustrated is an embodiment of a
method of removing parts from, or placing parts on, the carrier
tape 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A-2C. With reference to block 410 in
this figure, a separator tool is inserted underneath the cover tape
pieces. This was previously illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, where a
separator tool 200 was inserted between the cover tape pieces 150a,
150b and the carrier tape base 110. Generally, the separator tool
is centered in the gap 160 between the cover tape pieces 150a,
150b. To initially insert the separator tool under the cover tape
pieces, an operator may manually pull apart the cover tape pieces,
thereby enabling insertion of the separator tool. In another
embodiment, the front end of the carrier tape (e.g., the first
several inches to wind off the reel holding the carrier tape) may
not include the cover tape pieces (and/or provide a wider gap that
transitions down to the gap 160 shown in the figures), such that
the separator tool may be slid underneath the cover tape pieces at
this front end of the carrier tape. Alternatively, in a further
embodiment, the separator tool may be capable of collapsing down to
a width less than that of gap 160 such that the tool may be
inserted through this gap. The separator tool may then be further
capable of expanding out to its original width after insertion into
the gap 160, such that the separator tool is now underneath the
cover tape pieces and can function to spread apart these two pieces
to create a wider gap 165 (see FIGS. 2A-2C).
[0030] Referring to block 420 in FIG. 4, the carrier tape is
advances to align a pocket with an aperture in the separator tool.
This is illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, where a pocket 120 on the
carrier tape 100 is substantially aligned with the aperture 210 of
the separator tool 200. It should be understood that, rather than
advancement of the carrier tape, the separator tool may also be
advanced (or both the carrier tape and separator tool may move
relative to each other). Also, in an alternative embodiment, two or
more pockets on a carrier tape are aligned with an aperture of a
separator tool, and in yet another embodiment, two or more pockets
on a carrier tape are aligned with two or more apertures of a
separator tool.
[0031] Referring to block 430 in FIG. 4, as the carrier tape (and/
or separator tool) advances, the separator tool spreads apart the
cover tape pieces to allow access to a pocket on the cover tape.
This is also illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, where the separator tool
200 has separated the cover tape pieces 150a, 150b to create a gap
165. Gap 165 provides an opening that is sufficient to allow access
(thru the aperture 210 in separator tool 200) to a pocket 120 on
carrier tape 100. Referring to block 440, a part is inserted into a
pocket, or removed from a pocket, on the carrier tape. With
reference again to FIGS. 2A-2C, a part such as a die 5 may be
placed in one of the pockets 120 through the gap 165 and aperture
210 of separator tool 200. Alternatively, a part (e.g., a die 5)
may be removed from one of the pockets 120 through the gap 165 and
aperture 210. The carrier tape 100 (and/or separator tool 200) may
then be advanced again and another part inserted in or removed from
the carrier tape 100 (see arrow 405), and the above-described
process may be repeated until all pockets 120 on the carrier tape
100 are either occupied by a part or empty.
[0032] Turning to FIG. 5, illustrated is an embodiment of a system
500 for removing parts from, or placing parts on, a carrier tape
having an integrated cover tape. System 500 includes a carrier tape
mechanism 510, which comprises a source tape reel 512, a take-up
reel 514, and an actuator 516 coupled with the take-up reel 514
(and/or source reel 512). Wound on the source tape reel 512 is a
length of carrier tape 100 having a number of pockets 120, each
pocket for receiving a die 5 (or other part). According to one
embodiment, the carrier tape 100 includes an integrated cover tape,
as described above. For example, the carrier tape 100 may comprise
a carrier tape base 110 having first and second cover tape pieces
150a, 150b secured thereto, as described above in FIGS. 1A-1C (or
1D or 1E).
[0033] The carrier tape 100 is advanced by motion of the take-up
reel 514 (and/or source reel 512) initiated by actuator 516, and
the carrier tape 100 (with die 5 and integrated cover tape 150a,
150b) is wound onto the take-up reel 514. Alternatively, movement
of the carrier tape 100 may be initiated by a mechanism that
engages a series of indexing holes (e.g., indexing holes 115 shown
in FIGS. 1A-2C) on the carrier tape 100 (either alone or in
combination with motion of the take-up reel 514 produced by
actuator 516). In the illustrated embodiment, the length of carrier
tape 100 stored on the source tape reel 512 does not contain any
die, and as the carrier tape 100 is advanced and wound onto the
take-up reel 514, die 5 are placed into the pockets 120 of the
carrier tape. In another embodiment, the length of the carrier tape
100 disposed on source tape reel 512 includes a number of die 5 (or
other parts), and these die are removed from the carrier tape as
the tape is advanced.
[0034] The system 500 further includes a pick-and-place mechanism
520 having a pick-and-place head 525. In the illustrated example,
pick-and-place head 525 "picks" individual die 5 from a wafer 2
that has been diced or singulated into a number of die. Wafer 2 may
be held by a wafer holding device 530 (e.g., a wafer chuck, an
adhesive tape disposed on a substrate, etc.). The pick-and-place
head 525 then places each die 5 into one of the pockets 120 on
carrier tape 100. Alternatively, the pick-and-place mechanism may
be used to remove the die 5 (or other parts) from the carrier tape
100.
[0035] To facilitate placement of parts onto (or removal of parts
from) the carrier tape 100, the system 500 further includes a
separator tool 200. Separator tool 200 may comprise any of the
embodiments of a separator tool described above (see FIGS. 2A-2C
and FIGS. 3A-3C), or other tool providing similar functionality.
When the carrier tape 100 is advanced relative to the separator
tool 200, the separator tool will spread apart the cover tape
pieces 150a, 150b, thereby allowing the pick-and-place head 525 to
insert a die 5 into (or remove a die from) a pocket 120 through the
aperture 210 in the separator tool, as previously described (see,
e.g., FIGS. 2A-2C and FIG. 4, and the accompanying text above). The
carrier tape 100 can be incrementally advanced relative to the
separator tool 200, such that a die 5 may be inserted into each of
the pockets 120 on the carrier tape. Also, in a further embodiment,
the separator tool 200 itself may be capable of movement relative
to the carrier tape 100 (e.g., to advance the separator tool
relative to the carrier tape and/or to lift and lower the separator
tool relative to the carrier tape). In such an embodiment, the
separator tool 200 may be coupled with a motion mechanism (not
shown in FIG. 5).
[0036] In another embodiment, system 500 also includes a controller
540 communicatively coupled with the pick-and-place mechanism 520
and the actuator 516 of carrier tape mechanism 510, and each of
these devices may send signals to controller and receive signals
from the controller (and perform actions in response to signals
received from the controller). In one embodiment, the controller
may also be communicatively coupled with a motion mechanism
associated with separator tool 200. The controller 540 may comprise
any suitable computing device.
[0037] It should be understood that the system 500 of FIG. 5 is but
one example of a system that can be employed to insert or remove
parts from the carrier tape 100 and, further, that the disclosed
embodiments may find application with other systems that utilize a
carrier tape medium. Also, it should be understood that the system
500 may include other components not shown in FIG. 5 and/or may not
include all of the components shown in FIG. 5.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 6, illustrated is an embodiment of a
method for making a carrier tape having an integrated cover tape.
Referring to block 610, a carrier tape base is provided. For
example, the carrier tape base may comprise the base 110 shown and
described in FIGS. 1A-1C. Referring to block 620, a first cover
tape piece and a second cover tape piece are secured to the carrier
tape base. The first and second cover tape pieces may, for example,
comprise the cover tape pieces 150a, 150b shown and described above
in FIGS. 1A-1C (or 1D or 1E). The cover tape pieces may be secured
to the carrier tape base using any suitable process, such as
ultrasonic welding, adhesive bonding, thermocompression bonding,
etc. According to one embodiment, the first and second cover tape
pieces are secured to the carrier tape base simultaneously. In
another embodiment, the carrier tape base and first and second
cover tape pieces are integrally formed using an extrusion process.
Referring to block 630, a gap is provided between the first and
second cover tape pieces. It should be understood that a separate
processing step will generally not be needed to create a gap
between the cover tape pieces, as the cover tape pieces can be
sized to provide the desired gap upon attachment to the carrier
tape base. However, in an alternative embodiment, to create the
gap, a single cover tape piece is first secured to the carrier
tape, and then a center portion is cut from this single piece to
create the first and second cover tape pieces separated by a
gap.
[0039] The foregoing detailed description and accompanying drawings
are only illustrative and not restrictive. They have been provided
primarily for a clear and comprehensive understanding of the
disclosed embodiments and no unnecessary limitations are to be
understood therefrom. Numerous additions, deletions, and
modifications to the embodiments described herein, as well as
alternative arrangements, may be devised by those skilled in the
art without departing from the spirit of the disclosed embodiments
and the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *