Multi-offset Die Head for Probe Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical buckling beam probe technology faces challenges in making reliable contact with tight pitch peripheral bond pads due to misalignment issues and the need for frequent manual adjustment of free-floating probe tips, which limits the number of chips that can be probed simultaneously and increases maintenance complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-offset die head design with an upper die portion and a spacer including first and second surfaces, along with a first assembly aid film and support frame, allows for probes with different offsets to be aligned in a die head assembly, enabling the use of larger space transformer pads and reducing misalignment issues by patterning micro-holes to accommodate varying offsets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional VBB probe design with single offset is used, then assembly is simple, but misalignment occurs between probe heads and space transformer pads
Solution Approach 1:
The die head is segmented into multiple layers (first die head layer, second die head layer, third die head layer) with different offset arrays. Each layer contains micro-holes with specific offsets relative to the pad array, allowing probes to be positioned at multiple different offsets simultaneously. This segmentation enables precise alignment of probe heads with space transformer pads while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through systematic organization of the segmented layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension by stacking multiple die head layers with different offset configurations. Instead of varying offsets in a single plane, the offsets are distributed across multiple vertical layers, each with its own micro-hole array. This dimensional transition from 2D to 3D space allows multiple offset values to coexist without increasing planar complexity, thereby improving alignment accuracy while controlling device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If oversized upper die holes are used to facilitate assembly, then assembly is easier, but misalignment between probe heads and pads increases
Solution Approach 1:
The die head structure is divided into multiple layers, each with its own array of micro-holes at specific offsets. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently for both assembly ease and alignment precision. The micro-holes in each layer can be sized appropriately for assembly while the offset arrangement ensures precise probe head positioning, resolving the contradiction between assembly ease and alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple offset arrays across different layers act as intermediaries that mediate between the pad array and the probe tips. These intermediate offset structures allow the probe heads to be positioned with high precision relative to the pads while the overall structure maintains ease of assembly through systematic hole arrangements. The intermediary offset arrays compensate for any misalignment tendencies.
3Productivity
If tight pitch peripheral bond pads are used, then more chips can be probed, but probe head alignment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By distributing different offset values across multiple vertical layers rather than attempting to accommodate all offsets in a single plane, the invention achieves precise probe head alignment even with tight pitch pads. The vertical stacking allows multiple offset configurations to coexist without increasing planar density, thereby maintaining alignment precision while enabling higher chip throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The die head is segmented into multiple layers with distinct offset arrays, allowing each layer to be optimized for specific alignment requirements. This segmentation enables precise control of probe head positions relative to tight pitch pads while maintaining the ability to probe multiple chips simultaneously, thus improving productivity without sacrificing alignment precision.
4Ease of repair
If single offset probe design is used, then device complexity is low, but maintenance frequency increases due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The die head is segmented into multiple layers with different offset arrays, creating a more complex structure that inherently compensates for misalignment. This segmented design with multiple offset configurations reduces the frequency of maintenance by maintaining better alignment between probe heads and pads, thereby improving ease of repair despite the increased structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical stacking of multiple offset arrays provides inherent misalignment compensation that reduces maintenance needs. By distributing offsets across vertical layers, the structure maintains robust alignment even under varying conditions, reducing the frequency of manual adjustment and maintenance while accepting the trade-off of increased device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An upper die portion of a die head for aligning probes having different offsets in a first array of first micro-holes formed in a lower die portion of the die head. The upper die portion includes a spacer portion and a first assembly aid film. The spacer portion includes first and second surfaces. The first surface contacts the lower die portion. The first assembly aid film is attached with the second surface and has a second array of second micro-holes for receiving the probes having different offsets. The second micro-holes include at least a first micro-hole that is configured to be offset from a corresponding micro-hole of the first micro-holes by a first offset and at least a second micro-hole that is configured to be offset from a corresponding micro-hole of the first micro-holes by a second offset that is not the same as the first offset.


