This invention relates generally to semiconductor manufacture, and specifically to a method and system for testing semiconductor components.
Semiconductor components are typically fabricated on a common substrate which is then singulated into individual components. Semiconductor dice, for example, are fabricated on a semiconductor wafer. Semiconductor packages can be fabricated on a wafer, on a leadframe or on a panel. Some types of semiconductor components, such as multi chip modules and memory modules, also include multiple components contained on a common substrate.
Following the fabrication process, the components are tested. For testing the components, temporary electrical connections are made with terminal contacts on the components, and test signals are transmitted to the integrated circuits on the components. The testing procedures can be performed using a test system in which an interconnect of the system, such as a probe card, makes the temporary electrical connections with the terminal contacts on the components. A typical test system for semiconductor wafers includes a wafer prober for handling and positioning the wafers, a tester for generating and analyzing test signals, a probe card for making temporary electrical connections with the wafer, and a prober interface board for routing test signals from the tester pin electronics to the probe card.
With prior art testing processes, the components are typically tested one component at a time. With wafer testing for example, either the wafer or the probe card is stepped, such that only one die at a time is electrically engaged and tested. The stepping process takes additional time and introduces an additional variable in making the temporary electrical connections with the dice. Other prior art testing processes test the components after singulation from the substrate. Semiconductor packages and BGA devices, for example, are typically tested in singulated form.
The present invention is directed to a method and system for testing multiple components contained on a common substrate at the same time. The method and system can be used for testing components contained on a variety of substrates including wafers, panels, leadframes and modules.
In accordance with the present invention, a method and a system for testing semiconductor components contained on a substrate are provided. The method uses a switching network for multiplying and controlling the transmission of test signals from a tester to the components on the substrate. The switching network also electrically isolates defective components, and selectively transmits read test signals from selected groups of components on the substrate for expanding tester resources. The switching network can be used to control test signals for performing functionality tests, parametric tests and burn-in tests on the components.
The system includes the substrate containing the components, a test apparatus for handling the substrate, and the tester for applying the test signals to the components. The test apparatus includes the interconnect which includes interconnect contacts for making temporary electrical connections with the component contacts, and the switching network for controlling test signals to and from the interconnect contacts during testing of the components.
As used herein, the term “semiconductor component” refers to an electronic element that includes a semiconductor die. Exemplary semiconductor components include semiconductor dice, semiconductor packages, semiconductor wafers, BGA devices, multi chip modules and circuit boards.
The term “substrate” refers to a base element on which multiple components are mounted or contained. Exemplary substrates include wafers or portions thereof, leadframes, panels, module substrates and boards.
Referring to
In
As shown in
Referring to
As shown in
The component contacts 12CSP are formed on the component substrate 10CSP in a dense grid array, such as a ball grid array (BGA), or a fine ball grid array (FBGA). By way of example, a representative diameter D1 for the component contacts 12CSP can be about 0.005-in (0.127 mm) to 0.050-in (1.270 mm) or greater. A representative pitch P (center to center spacing) of the component contacts 12CSP can be from about 0.008-in (0.228 mm) to about 0.060-in (1.524 mm) or greater.
Referring to
As shown in
Referring to
Test System
Referring to
The test system 50 includes an interconnect 52 which comprises a plurality of interconnect contacts 54. The interconnect contacts 54 are configured to make temporary electrical connections with all of the component contacts 12 on all of the components 11 contained on the substrate 10 at the same time. These temporary electrical connections can be used to apply test signals to the integrated circuits contained on the semiconductor components 11.
The test system 50 also includes a switching network 56 on the interconnect 52 in electrical communication with the interconnect contacts 54. The switching network 56 is configured to multiply (i.e., fan out), and to selectively transmit, “write” test signals to selected components 11, or to selected groups of components 11, on the substrate 10 in response to control signals. The switching network 56 is also configured to selectively transmit “read” test signals from selected groups of components 11 for expanding tester resources. In addition, the switching network 56 is configured to electrically isolate or disconnect defective components 11. As will be further explained, the switching network 56 includes integrated circuitry and active electrical switching devices, such as FETs, operable by control signals generated by a controller.
The test system 50 also includes a tester 62 and electrical connectors 60 in electrical communication with the tester 62. The tester 62 includes test circuitry 64 configured to generate and transmit “write” test signals through the switching network 56 to the components 11. In addition, the tester 62 is configured to analyze “read” test signals transmitted from the components 11 and through the switching network 56. The electrical characteristics of the test signals, and the configuration of the tester 62 will depend on the test procedures being performed. Exemplary test procedures include functionality tests, such as tests for opens and shorts, parametric tests such as speed grading, and burn-in tests wherein the components 11 are heated and test signals are applied. Depending on the components 11, suitable testers 62 are commercially available from Teradyne of Boston, Mass., as well as other manufacturers.
The tester 62 also includes a plurality of separate electrical paths 66 to the electrical connectors 60. The signal generating and analyzing capability of the tester 62, and the number of separate electrical paths 66 provided by the tester 62, are termed herein as “tester resources”. In general, the configurations of the test circuitry 64, and of the electrical paths 66, are fixed for a particular tester 62 by the manufacturer. For example, the test circuitry 64 can be configured to route drive only signals through some of the electrical paths 66, and input/output channels through other of the electrical paths 66, as required for testing a particular type of component 11.
The test system 50 also includes a testing apparatus 68 configured to retain and align the substrate 10 with the interconnect 52. The testing apparatus 68 also functions to bias the substrate 10 and the interconnect 52 together with a force sufficient to establish the temporary electrical connections between the interconnect contacts 54 and the component contacts 12. The configuration of the testing apparatus 50 is dependent on the substrate 10, the components 11 being tested, and the test procedures being performed. For example, for testing the wafer substrate 10W (
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Switching Network
Referring to
The switching network 56 includes a plurality of test sites S0, S1, S2, S3 etc., each of which is configured to test a DUT (e.g., DUT 0, DUT 1, DUT 3, DUT 4 etc). Each test site S0, S1, S2, S3 etc., includes a plurality of active electrical switching devices 61 in electrical communication with the interconnect contacts 54 (FIG. 5). For simplicity each test site S0, S1, S2, S3 etc. is illustrated with only three active electrical switching devices 61. Each test site S0, S1, S2, S3 etc., also includes at least one on-off switch 67.
The switching network 56 includes a master site control 63 in electrical communication with a controller 59. The master site control 63 includes a plurality of separate control lines A, B, C, D etc. Each test site S0, S1, S2, S3 etc. has an associated control line A, B, C, D etc. in electrical communication with the gate elements of the active electrical switching devices 61 for the test site. The master site control 63 is operable by the controller 59 to electrically connect or isolate the test sites S0, S1, S2, S3 etc. by selective operation of the gate elements of the active electrical switching devices 61. In particular, the master site control 63 is operable by the controller 59 to place the active electrical switching devices 61 in either an “on” condition or an “off” condition.
The switching network 56 also includes a signal control 65 having control lines 1, 2, 3, 4 etc. in electrical communication with the sources or drains of the active electrical switching devices 61. The signal control 65 can be used to write all of the DUTs at the same time, and to place all of the DUTs in a selected mode at the same time. For example, if the DUTs comprise DRAMs the signal control 65 can be used to place all of the DUTs in a refresh mode. The signal control 65 can also be used to selectively read signals from the DUTs individually, or in groups. The signal control 65 can also be used to selectively transmit “write” test signals from the tester 62 to selected DUTs, or groups of DUTs, and to selectively transmit “read” test signals from selected DUTs or groups of DUTs.
Test Method
Referring to
1. Align the component contacts 12 to the interconnect contacts 54.
2. Place the component contacts 12 and the interconnect contacts 54 in physical and electrical contact.
3. Transmit test signals for performing functionality tests (e.g., opens and shorts) through the interconnect contacts 54 to selected components 11 using the switching network 56 to multiply and selectively transmit the test signals.
4. Electrically isolate any defective or non-functional components 11 using the switching network 56.
5. Transmit “write” test signals for performing parametic testing (e.g., speed grading) through the interconnect contacts 54 to selected components 11 using the switching network 56 to multiply and selectively transmit the write test signals.
6. Transmit “read” test signals from selected groups of components 11 up to the limit of tester resources using the switching network 56 to group the components 11 as required.
7. Optionally, transmit burn-in test signals to the components 11 using the switching network 56 to electrically isolate defective components 11.
Wafer Test System
Referring to
The wafer test system 50W also includes a wafer prober 76W wherein the interconnect 52W is mounted, and a tester 62W having test circuitry 64W configured to apply test signals through the interconnect 52W, to the components 11D contained on the wafer substrate 10W, and to analyze the resultant signals. The wafer prober 76W includes an interconnect holder 78W for mounting and electrically interfacing with the interconnect 52W.
The wafer prober 76W also includes a wafer chuck 80W configured to move in X and Y directions to align the wafer substrate 10W with the interconnect 52W, and in the Z direction to move the wafer substrate 10W into contact with the interconnect 52W. One suitable wafer prober 76W is manufactured by Electroglass and is designated a Model 4080.
The test system 50W also includes a prober interface board 82W for routing test signals from the test head 74W to the interconnect 52W. In addition, the prober interface board 82W can be in electrical communication with tester pin electronics 84W in the test head 74W. The tester pin electronics 84W provide separate electrical paths 86W from the test circuitry 64W contained in the tester 62W, to the test head 74W and to the prober interface board 82W.
Still referring to
In addition, a flexible membrane 96W is bonded to the interconnect 52W and to the interconnect holder 78W. In general, the flexible membrane 96W functions to physically attach the interconnect 52W to the interconnect holder 78W. In addition, the flexible membrane 96W functions to provide electrical paths between the switching network 56W, the interconnect contacts 54W and the test circuitry 64W of the tester 62W. The flexible membrane 96W can be formed of thin flexible materials to allow movement of the interconnect 52W in Z-directions. For example, the flexible membrane 96W can be formed of a flexible multi layered material similar to TAB tape.
In the illustrative embodiment, the flexible membrane 96W comprises a layer of polymer tape having metal conductors thereon. Bonded connections are formed between the conductors on the membrane 96W and corresponding conductors 98W on the interconnect holder 78W. In addition, bonded connections are formed between the conductors on the membrane 96W and bonding pads 97W on the interconnect 52W.
Still referring to
The interconnect mounting arrangement shown in
In the embodiment illustrated in
For example, the switching network 56W can include FET transistor constructed substantially as shown in
The FET transistor 100W includes a polysilicon gate 102W, and a gate oxide 104W. In addition, an isolation structure 106W, such as a field oxide or an isolation trench is formed on the interconnect 56W for electrically isolating the FET transistor 100W from adjacent transistors. The FET transistor 100W also includes N+active areas 108W, which can be formed by implanting dopants into the interconnect 56W to form the source and drain of the FET transistor 100W. Metal filled vias 110W with metal silicide layers 112W, electrically connect the source and drain of the FET transistor 100W to conductors 73W in electrical communication with the interconnect contacts 54W (
Panel Test System
Referring to
The panel test system 50P includes a carrier 51P for holding and applying the required test signals to the components 11CSP. These test signals can include functionality test signals, parametric test signals and burn-in test signals. For performing burn-in testing the carrier 51P can be placed in a burn-in oven configured to heat the components 11CSP to a required temperature for a required time period.
The carrier 51P includes a base 120P; a cover 122P; an interconnect 52P (FIG. 9C); and a force applying member in the form of elastomeric spring members 124P and 126P (FIG. 9C). The base 120P and the cover 122P comprise an insulating material such as molded plastic or laminated ceramic, and are adapted for mating physical engagement. In addition, the base 120P and the cover 122P have a size that corresponds to the size of the panel substrate 10P. Clip members 128P removably secure the cover 122P to the base 120P with the panel substrate 10P therein. In addition, one or more vacuum openings 130P are formed in the cover 122P and in the spring member 124P, for securing the panel substrate 10P to the cover 122P during alignment and assembly of the panel test system 50P.
As shown in
The base 120P also includes an electrical connector 132P in the form of a male or female connector adapted for mating electrical engagement with a corresponding connector formed on a testing apparatus. In addition, an electrical path can be formed between the interconnect 52P and the electrical connector 132P by a length of TAB (tape automated bonding) tape 134P. One type of TAB tape comprises a layer of polyimide having a desired pattern of metal conductors formed thereon. The conductors can include metal bumps 136P formed in vias through the polyimide and arranged in a desired pattern. The metal bumps 136P on the TAB tape 134P can be bonded, using heat or ultrasound, to corresponding connection points on the interconnect 52P and on the electrical connector 132P to form an electrical connection therebetween. Alternately this electrical connection can be formed by wire bonding or mechanical electrical connectors.
As shown schematically in
The panel test system 50P also includes a tester 62P having test circuitry 64P. In this case, the tester 62P can comprise a test board having a socket configured to electrically engage the electrical connector 132P. Assembly and alignment of the panel substrate 10P in the panel test system 50P can be performed as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,064,216, to Farnworth et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.
Leadframe Test System
Referring to
The leadframe test system 50LF includes a carrier 51LF configured to hold the leadframe substrate 10LF for testing and to apply the required test signals to the components 11LF. These test signals can include functionality test signals, parametric test signals and burn-in test signals. For performing burn-in testing the carrier 51LF can be placed in a burn-in oven for heating the components 11LF to a required temperature for a required time period.
The carrier 51LF includes a base 120LF; a cover 122LF; an interconnect 52LF; and a force applying member in the form of elastomeric spring members 124LF. The base 120LF and the cover 122LF comprise an insulating material such as molded plastic or laminated ceramic, and are adapted for mating physical engagement. In addition, the base 120LF and the cover 122LF have a size that corresponds to the size of the leadframe substrate 10LF. Clip members 128LF removably secure the cover 122LF to the base 120LF with the leadframe substrate 10LF therein. In addition, one or more vacuum openings 130LF are formed in the cover 122LF and in the spring member 124LF, for securing the leadframe substrate 10LF to the cover 122LF during alignment and assembly of the leadframe test system 50LF.
The base 120LF includes an alignment member in the form of an alignment opening 138LF having sloped sidewalls configured to engage the opposed longitudinal edges of the leadframe substrate 10LF and to align the leadframe substrate 10LF on the interconnect 52LF. The base 120LF also includes a recessed surface 140LF configured to support the leadframe substrate 10LF, and a cavity 142LF wherein the interconnect 52LF is mounted.
As shown schematically in
The interconnect 52LF also includes a switching network 56LF (
The leadframe test system 50LF also includes a tester 62LF having test circuitry 64LF. In this case, the tester 62LF can comprise a test board having a socket configured to electrically engage the electrical connector 132LF.
Thus the invention provides an improved system and method for testing semiconductor components contained on a substrate. While the invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, certain changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/223,826, filed Aug. 20, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,677,776, which is a CIP of Ser. No. 09/675,072, filed Sep. 28, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,433,574, which is a division of Ser. No. 09/244,373, filed Feb. 04, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,337,577, which is a CIP of Ser. No. 09/075,691, filed May 11, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,246,250.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20040021480 A1 | Feb 2004 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 09244373 | Feb 1999 | US |
Child | 09675072 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 10223826 | Aug 2002 | US |
Child | 10633189 | US |
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Parent | 09675072 | Sep 2000 | US |
Child | 10223826 | US | |
Parent | 09075691 | May 1998 | US |
Child | 09244373 | US |