Steered Trim Cut Path for Precise Laser Resistance Trimming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser trimming of electronic components in integrated circuits faces challenges in achieving accurate resistance values due to saturation and loss of control as cuts lengthen, leading to increased manufacturing costs from extended trim times and the need for additional cuts for fine-tuning.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a cutting tool and controller to form a cut in an electronic component feature with specific angled cut portions, allowing for precise control and termination of the trimming process, reducing the risk of overshooting and enhancing accuracy without requiring multiple feature cuts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If straight single cut formation is used for laser trimming, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the control is lost as the cut gets longer leading to saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The cut is divided into multiple segments (first cut portion, second cut portion, final cut portion) with different orientations. The first cut portion extends along the third side toward the fourth side, the second cut portion extends at an angle between 45-135 degrees toward the second side, and the final cut portion completes the trim. This segmentation maintains control accuracy while achieving the desired resistance value without excessive cut length
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting path transitions from a single straight line to a multi-dimensional path involving changes in orientation and direction. By introducing angular deviations in the second cut portion and adjusting the final cut portion orientation, the method utilizes dimensional complexity to maintain precision throughout the trimming process
2Manufacturing precision
If additional trim cuts are added to enhance accuracy, then the final trimmed value accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to extended trim time
Solution Approach 1:
The trimming process is segmented into three distinct cut portions, each serving a specific function: the first cut portion establishes the initial resistance change, the second cut portion provides angular adjustment for fine control, and the final cut portion completes the trim. This structured segmentation achieves high accuracy within a single continuous trimming operation, avoiding the need for multiple separate cuts
Solution Approach 2:
The trimming process continues uninterrupted through all three cut portions in a single continuous operation. The laser cutting tool transitions smoothly between different cut segments without stopping or requiring repositioning, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the trimming process to minimize time while achieving precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances trim cut accuracy while minimizing manufacturing costs and processing time by linearizing the trim cutting response and reducing the risk of over-shooting, achieving desired resistance values within tolerance ranges.
Implementation Method 1
Laser trimming creates a cut in a component feature
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic component includes a feature having opposite first and second sides spaced apart from one another along a first direction, third and fourth sides spaced apart from one another along an orthogonal second direction, and a cut extending in the feature. The cut has a first cut portion, a second cut portion and a final cut portion, the first cut portion extends from the third side toward the fourth side along the second direction, the second cut portion extends from the first cut portion partially toward the second side at a non-zero angle to the second direction, and the final cut portion extends partially toward the second or third side.