Method of arranging micro spheres with liquid, micro sphere arranging device, and semiconductor device

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20050040528
  • Publication Number
    20050040528
  • Date Filed
    January 10, 2003
    21 years ago
  • Date Published
    February 24, 2005
    19 years ago
Abstract
A method of arranging micro spheres with liquid, a micro sphere arranging device and a semiconductor device, the method comprising the steps of placing the semiconductor device (2) with holes placed, through a large number of pads, on a loading table (3) with variable tilt angle, flowing macro spheres together with conductive liquid held in a holding container (6) down to the semiconductor device (2) to storably place the micro spheres on the pad storably in the holes of the semiconductor device (2), receiving and accumulating the non-stored micro spheres and conductive liquid by a receiving tank (1), and carrying the conductive liquid including the accumulated micro spheres to the holding container (6) by a pump (11)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to the arrangement of a microsphere such as a solder bump in a bump electrode forming process for BGA (ball grid array), CSP (chip size package) and flip-chip bonding etc. and relates particularly to a method of arranging microspheres with liquid, a microsphere arranging apparatus and a semiconductor device.


BACKGROUND ART

Japanese patent application laid-open No. 5-129374 discloses a method of making an electrode bump that a microsphere such as a solder ball is mounted on a bump forming member such as a semiconductor chip (semiconductor device) and a circuit board, and then the microsphere is fused. In this method, microspheres are adsorbed to holes that are provided in the same arrangement as that of the bump forming member such as a semiconductor chip and a circuit board, and then they are transferred onto the semiconductor chip or circuit board.


In details, an adsorption head is provided that has adsorption holes for microsphere in the same arrangement as that of the bump forming member such as a semiconductor chip and a circuit board, the adsorption head is moved to the bump forming member such as a semiconductor chip and a circuit board while keeping the microsphere, adsorbed to the adsorption holes, and then, by releasing the adsorption of microspheres, the microspheres are transferred to the bump forming member such as a semiconductor chip and a circuit board.


In this case, it is necessary to adsorb in just proportion the microsphere to the adsorption head. However, since the microspheres are laid at random, it is difficult to surely adsorb them at predetermined positions when the microspheres are adsorbed by vacuuming. Therefore, a microsphere arrangement pallet is prepared that microspheres are in advance disposed in the same arrangement as that of electrode bump. By vacuuming the microspheres on the pallet, they can be surely adsorbed in just proportion to the adsorption head.


However, it is difficult to stably arrange microspheres on the microsphere arrangement pallet in atmosphere. Due to static electricity or moisture, the microspheres may be adhered to each other or adsorbed to the surface of arrangement pallet.


Japanese patent application laid-open No. 11-8272 discloses a method that an arrangement pallet is soaked in conductive liquid and then microspheres are dropped on the arrangement pallet, secured in respective arrangement holes, thereby removing the influence of static electricity or moisture.


In the above in-solution arrangement method, where micro-metal balls (microspheres) are arranged in conductive liquid, a stable arrangement operation can be conducted because of removing the influence of static electricity or moisture. However, since it uses ethanol with a high volatility, it is necessary to supplement evaporated portion so as to stabilize the operation, Thus, a large amount of ethanol is needed. Further, in transferring the arrangement pallet to the next step, it is difficult to take out the pallet from the conductive liquid. So, it is difficult to automate the taking-out step.


Japanese patent application laid-open No. 2001-210942 discloses a method that another closed vessel is prepared other than a closed vessel that the arrangement operation is conducted while soaking the arrangement pallet, connecting the vessels through a flexible tube, transferring the conductive liquid and micro-metal balls according to need between the vessels by using gravity difference.


In this method, the evaporation of conductive liquid can be prevented by using the closed vessel, and the usability of employed material can be improved by using repeatedly the conductive liquid and micro-metal balls. Furthermore, the operation can be facilitated such that, after completing the arrangement operation on the arrangement pallet, the conductive liquid and micro-metal balls in one closed vessel in which the arrangement pallet is soaked are evacuated while being transferred to the other vessel, and then the arrangement pallet is taken out from the one closed vessel.


Subsequently, the microspheres are secured in the arrangement holes and then adsorbed by the adsorption head of a vacuuming apparatus. The adsorption head has a plane with air holes provided therein corresponding to the arrangement holes. The adsorption is conducted such that the adsorption head is in contact with the arrangement-holes forming surface of arrangement pallet, and then the microspheres are adsorbed to the air holes while vacuuming through the air holes. After the adsorption, the microspheres on the adsorption head are aligned with the pad position of semiconductor wafer, and then by stopping the vacuuming the microspheres are dropped on the pads to mount them there.


However, in the conventional method of mounting the microspheres on the bump forming member of semiconductor device by using the arrangement pallet, there are some problems described below.


Since the process needs to be conducted such that the microspheres are accommodated in the holes (arrangement holes) in the arrangement pallet and then transferred onto the pads of semiconductor device, the number of steps in the bump electrode forming process must be increased. The manufacturing cost will be increased by that much. Further, the entire composition of bump electrode forming process must be complicated.


Further, in recovering the conductive liquid and excessive microspheres to reuse them, the microsphere may be deformed, crushed or defaced due to hitting the corner of vessel or being trapped in the gap of vessel. In this case, the microsphere may not be accommodated in the arrangement hole or may not be adsorbed by the adsorption head even when accommodated. Thus, the microsphere cannot be securely transferred to the semiconductor device. Furthermore, although the conductive liquid and microspheres can be recovered by tilting or reversing the vessel, a small amount of them may be left in the vessel. Thus, they are wasted to some degree.


Further, in adsorbing the microsphere to he adsorption head, the surface of adsorption head needs to be closely contact with the arrangement holes forming surface of the arrangement pallet. Therefore, the processing accuracy to flatten both the surfaces is needed. Further, if the step of adsorbing the microsphere to the adsorption head is conducted in atmosphere, the neighboring microspheres attract each other, thereby failing to perform the suitable adsorption. As a result, the manufacturing cost in the bump electrode forming process must be increased.


Still further, in order to enhance the operating efficiency, a process of accommodating microspheres in another arrangement pallet needs to be conducted during the adsorption. Therefore, multiple arrangement pallets are needed and the operating cost must be increased by that much.


The invention is devised in view of the above problems, and it is intended to provide a method of arranging a microsphere by means of liquid, microsphere arranging apparatus and semiconductor device that the manufacturing cost in the bump electrode forming process can be reduced, the entire composition of the process can be simplified, and the conductive liquid and microspheres can be recycled without being wasted.


DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

(i) In order to solve the above problems, according to the invention, a method of arranging microspheres with liquid comprises the steps of:


providing a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere; and


pouring the microsphere into the hole together with conductive liquid to mount the microsphere on the pad.


The process of pouring the microsphere into the hole of the semiconductor device together with conductive liquid may be conducted in the air.


The process of pouring the microsphere into the hole of the semiconductor device together with conductive liquid may be conducted in the liquid.


The semiconductor device may be kept horizontal when pouring the microsphere into the hole of the semiconductor device together with conductive liquid.


The semiconductor device may be kept inclined when pouring the microsphere into the hole of the semiconductor device together with conductive liquid.


The microsphere may be transported together with he conductive liquid.


(ii) Further, according to the invention, a method of arranging microspheres with liquid comprises the steps of:


providing a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a mask with a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere, the mask being held on the semiconductor device to allow the hole to be disposed on the pad; and


pouring the microsphere into the hole together with conductive liquid to mount the microsphere on the pad.


The process of pouring the microsphere into the hole of the mask together with conductive liquid may be conducted in the air.


The process of pouring the microsphere into the hole of the mask together with conductive liquid may be conducted in the liquid.


The semiconductor device may be kept horizontal when pouring the microsphere into the hole of the mask together with conductive liquid.


The semiconductor device may be kept inclined when pouring the microsphere into the hole of the mask together with conductive liquid.


The microsphere may be transported together with the conductive liquid.


(iii) Further, according to the invention, a microsphere arranging apparatus comprises:


a mounting means for mounting a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere;


a storing means for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres and for supplying the microsphere together with the stored conductive liquid to the semiconductor device mounted on the mounting means; and


a retaining means for retaining the conductive liquid containing the microsphere supplied from the storing means to the semiconductor device.


(iv) Further, according to the invention, a microsphere arranging apparatus comprises:


a mounting means for mounting a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere;


a storing means for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres and for supplying the microsphere together with the stored conductive liquid to the semiconductor device mounted on the mounting means;


a retaining means for retaining the conductive liquid containing the microsphere supplied from the storing means to the semiconductor device;


a tube that connects between the storing means and the retaining means; and


a pump means that is built in the tube to transport the conductive liquid containing the microsphere being retained in the retaining means to the storing means.


(v) Further, according to the invention, a microsphere arranging apparatus comprises:


a mounting means for mounting a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and for holding a mask with a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere so as to allow the hole to be disposed on the pad;


a storing means four storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres and for supplying the microsphere together with the stored conductive liquid through the mask to the semiconductor device mounted on the mounting means; and


a retaining means for retaining the conductive liquid containing the microsphere supplied from the storing means to the semiconductor device.


(vi) Further, according to the invention, a microsphere arranging apparatus comprises:


a mounting means for mounting a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and for holding a mask with a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere so as to allow the hole to be disposed on the pad;


a storing means for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres and for supplying the microsphere together with the stored conductive liquid through the mask to the semiconductor device mounted on the mounting means;


a retaining means for retaining the conductive liquid containing the microsphere supplied from the storing means to the semiconductor device;


a tube that connects between the storing means and the retaining means; and


a pump means that is built in the tube to transport the conductive liquid containing the microsphere being retained in the retaining means to the storing means.


The pump means may comprise a base, a rotating means to rotate, and a plurality of rollers that are rotatably attached to the circumference of the rotating means; the tube is a flexible tube disposed between the roller and the base; and a clearance between the roller and the tube disposed is provided so as to have a gap that allows the microsphere contained in the conductive liquid to pass through inside the tube while having its original shape when the tube is pressed by the rotation of the roller.


The storing means may have a first ejection tube that ejects, in an arbitrary direction, the microsphere together with the stored conductive liquid.


The storing means may have a second ejection tube that ejects, in an arbitrary direction, the microsphere together with the stored conductive liquid.


A moving means may be provided that allows the mounting means to move into the retaining means.


An oscillating means may be provided that applies oscillation to the mounting means.


The oscillating means may have a mechanism that applies horizontal oscillation to the semiconductor device.


The oscillating means may have a mechanism that applies unidirectional shock to the semiconductor device.


(vii) Further, according to the invention, a microsphere arranging apparatus comprises:


a mounting means for mounting a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere;


a storing means for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres and for supplying the microsphere together with the stored conductive liquid to the semiconductor device mounted on the mounting means;


a retaining means for retaining the conductive liquid containing the microsphere supplied from the storing means to the semiconductor device;


a tube that connects between the storing means and the retaining means; and


a vertical movement means that allows the storing means to move to a position above or below the retaining means.


(viii) Further, according to the invention, a microsphere arranging apparatus comprises:


a mounting means for mounting a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and for holding a mask with a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere so as to allow the hole to be disposed on the pad;


a storing means for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres and for supplying the microsphere together with the stored conductive liquid through the mask to the semiconductor devise mounted on the mounting means;


a retaining means for retaining the conductive liquid containing the microsphere supplied from the storing means to the semiconductor device;


a tube that connects between the storing means and he retaining means; and


a vertical movement means that allows the storing means to move to a position above or below the retaining means.


A moving means may be provided that allows the mounting means to move into the retaining means.


An oscillating means may be provided that applies oscillation to the mounting means.


The oscillating means may have a mechanism that applies horizontal oscillation to the semiconductor device.


The oscillating means may have a mechanism that applies unidirectional shock to the semiconductor device.


The storing means may have a first ejection tube that ejects, in an arbitrary direction, the microsphere together with the stored conductive liquid.


The storing means may have a second ejection tube that ejects, in an arbitrary direction, the microsphere together with the stored conductive liquid.


An adjusting means may be provided that defines, between the semiconductor device and the mask, a gap that prevents the gas or conductive liquid from being retained in the hole when accommodating the microsphere into the mask hole together with the conductive liquid.


A relief groove may be provided, in connection with the hole, that releases the gas or conductive liquid so as not retain it in the hole when accommodating the microsphere into the mask hole together with the conductive liquid.


The groove may be, without penetrating through the mask, provided on at least one of the mask surface on the semiconductor wafer side or the mask surface on the opposite side to the semiconductor wafer side.


The mask may have a thickness that allows the microsphere to be retained in the hole and prevents the two or more microspheres from being entered therein.


A minimum diameter of the hole to be generated due to a manufacture accuracy of the mask hole may be made to be greater than a value obtained by adding a gap to a maximum diameter of the microsphere, and a maximum diameter of the hole may be made to prevent the two or more microspheres from being entered into the one hole and prevent the microsphere from being released from the pad.


The mask hole may be formed rectangular.


The mask hole may be formed tapered such that the semiconductor wafer side is wider than the resist surface side.


(ix) Further, according to the invention, a semiconductor device comprises:


a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer; and


a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere,


wherein the resist has a thickness that allows the microsphere to be retained in the hole and prevents the two or more microspheres from being entered therein.


(x) Further, according to the invention, a semiconductor device comprises;


a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer; and


a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere,


wherein a minimum diameter of the hole to be generated due to a manufacture accuracy of the hole is made to be greater than a value obtained by adding a gap to a maximum diameter of the microsphere, and a maximum diameter of the hole is made to prevent the two or more microspheres from being entered into the one hole and prevent the microsphere from being released from the pad.


(xi) Further, according to the invention, a semiconductor device comprises:


a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer; and


a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere,


wherein the resist has a thickness that allows the microsphere to be retained in the hole and prevents the two or more microspheres from being entered therein, a minimum diameter of the hole to be generated due to a manufacture accuracy of the hole is made to be greater than a value obtained by adding a gap to a maximum diameter of the microsphere, and a maximum diameter of the hole is made to prevent the two or more microspheres from being entered into the one hole and prevent the microsphere from being released from the pad.


A relief groove may be provided, in connection with the hole, that releases the gas or conductive liquid so as not retain it in the hole when accommodating the microsphere into the mask hole together with the;conductive liquid.


(xii) Further, according to the invention, a semiconductor device comprises:


a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer; and


a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere,


wherein the resist has a thickness that allows a plurality of the microspheres to be accommodated in the hole.


(xiii) Further, according to the invention, a semiconductor device comprises:


a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer; and


a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere,


wherein the hole is formed tapered such that the semiconductor wafer side is wider than the resist surface side.


(xiv) Further, according to the invention, a semiconductor device comprises:


a semiconductor wafer with a pad formed in a predetermined pattern on its surface;


a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a hole formed in the predetermined pattern at a corresponding position to the pad; and


a microsphere accommodated in the hole,


wherein the hole is provided with a relief means to release a conductive liquid and a gas left in the hole outside the hole when the microsphere is supplied together with the conductive liquid.


The resist hole may be formed rectangular.


(xv) Further, according to the invention, a method of arranging microspheres with liquid comprises the steps of:


providing a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere; and


pouring the microsphere into the hole together with conductive liquid while rotating the semiconductor device to mount the microsphere on the pad.


The semiconductor device may be kept inclined and the microsphere may be poured together with conductive liquid to the upper portion of the semiconductor wafer being kept inclined and rotated.


The semiconductor device may be kept horizontal and the microsphere may be poured together with conductive liquid to the center portion of the semiconductor wafer being kept horizontal and rotated.


The process of pouring the microsphere into the hole of the semiconductor device together with conductive liquid may be conducted in the air.


The process of pouring the microsphere into the hole of the semiconductor device together with conductive liquid may be conducted in the liquid.


The microsphere may be transported together with he conductive liquid.


(xvi) Further, according to the invention, a method of arranging microspheres with liquid comprises the steps of:


providing a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere;


disposing the semiconductor device to be inclined; and


pouring the microsphere into the hole together with conductive liquid while oscillating an ejection means for ejecting the microsphere together with the conductive liquid between one end to the other end of the semiconductor device over the inclined semiconductor device so as to mount the microsphere on the pad.


The process of pouring the microsphere into the hole of the semiconductor device together with conductive liquid may be conducted in the air.


The process of pouring the microsphere into the hole of the semiconductor device together with conductive liquid may be conducted in the liquid.


The microsphere may be transported together with he conductive liquid.


(xvii) Further, according to the invention, a method of arranging microspheres with liquid comprises the steps of:


providing a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer wits a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a mask with a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere, the mask being held on the semiconductor device to allow the hole to be disposed on the pad; and


pouring the microsphere into the hole together with conductive liquid while rotating the semiconductor device to mount the microsphere on the pad.


(xviii) Further, according to the invention, a method of arranging microspheres with liquid comprises the steps of:


providing a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a mask with a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere, the mask being held on the semiconductor device to allow the hole to be disposed on the pad;


disposing the semiconductor device to be inclined; and


pouring the microsphere into the hole together with conductive liquid while oscillating an ejection means for ejecting the microsphere together with the conductive liquid between one end to the other end of the semiconductor device over the inclined semiconductor device so as to mount the microsphere on the pads.


(xix) Further, according to the invention, a microsphere arranging apparatus comprises:


a mounting-rotating means for mounting a semiconductor device and for rotating the semiconductor device mounted, the semiconductor device including a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere;


a storing means for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres and for supplying the microsphere together with the stored conductive liquid to the semiconductor device mounted on the mounting-rotating means; and


a retaining means for retaining the conductive liquid containing the microsphere supplied from the storing means to the semiconductor device.


The storing means may have a first ejection tube that ejects in an arbitrary direction the microsphere together with the stored conductive liquid, and the mounting-rotating means may have a first mount base that mounts the semiconductor device being kept inclined, the microsphere being poured together with the conductive liquid from the first ejection tube to the upper portion of the semiconductor device being kept inclined and rotated while being mounted on the first mount base.


The storing means may have a second ejection tube that ejects only the stored conductive liquid in an arbitrary, the microsphere being poured together with the conductive liquid from the second ejection tube to the upper portion of the semiconductor device being kept inclined and rotated while being mounted on the first mount base.


The storing meant may have a first ejection tube that ejects in an arbitrary direction the microsphere together with the stored conductive liquid, and the mounting-rotating means may have a second mount base that mounts the semiconductor device being kept horizontal, the microsphere being poured together with the conductive liquid from the first ejection tube to the center portion of the semiconductor device being kept horizontal and rotated while being mounted on the second mount base.


The storing means may have a second ejection tube that ejects only the stored conductive liquid in an arbitrary, the microsphere being poured together with the conductive liquid from the second ejecting tube to the center portion of the semiconductor device being kept horizontal and rotated while being mounted on the second mount base.


The mounting-rotating means may be disposed above or in the retaining means.


An oscillating means may be provided that applies oscillation to the mounting-rotating means.


A tube may be provided that connects between the storing means and the retaining means; and a pump means may be provided that is built in the tube to transport the conductive liquid containing the microsphere being retained in the retaining means to the storing means.


(xx) Further, according to the invention, a microsphere arranging apparatus comprises:


a mounting means for mounting a semiconductor device while disposing the semiconductor device to be inclined, the semiconductor device including a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a resist formed on the semiconductor water and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere;


a storing means for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres;


a first ejection tube for ejecting the microsphere together with the conductive liquid;


an oscillating means for oscillating the first ejection tube between one end to the other end of the semiconductor device over the semiconductor device inclined; and


a retaining means for retaining the conductive liquid containing the microsphere ejected from the first ejection tube to the semiconductor device.


A second ejection tube may be provided that ejects only the conductive liquid in the storing means, and the oscillating means may oscillate the second ejection tube as well.


The mounting means may be disposed above or in the retaining means.


An oscillating means may be provided that applies oscillation to the mounting means.


A tube may be provided that connects between the storing means and the retaining means; and a pump means may be provided that is built in the tube to transport the conductive liquid containing the microsphere being retained in the retaining means to the storing means.


(xxi) Further, according to the invention, a microsphere arranging apparatus comprises:


a mounting-rotating means for mounting a semiconductor device and for rotating the semiconductor device mounted, the semiconductor device including a semiconductor water with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and for holding a mask with a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere so as to allow the hole to be disposed on the pad;


a storing means for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres and for supplying the microsphere together with the stored conductive liquid to the pad on the semiconductor device mounted on the mounting-rotating means; and


a retaining means for retaining the conductive liquid containing the microsphere supplied from the storing means to the pad.


(xxii) Further, according to the invention, a microsphere arranging apparatus comprises:


a mounting means for mounting a semiconductor device while disposing the semiconductor device to be inclined, the semiconductor device including a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and for holding a mask with a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere so as to allow the hole to be disposed on the pad;


a storing means for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres;


a first ejection tube for ejecting the microsphere together with the conductive liquid;


an oscillating means for oscillating the first ejection tube between one end to the other end of the semiconductor device over the pad of the semiconductor device; and


a retaining means for retaining the conductive liquid containing the microsphere ejected from the first ejection tube to the pad.


(xxiii) Further, according to the invention, a microsphere arranging apparatus comprises:


a mounting-rotating means for mounting a semiconductor device and for rotating the semiconductor device mounted, the semiconductor device including a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and for holding a mask with a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere so as to allow the hole to be disposed on the pad;


a storing means for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres and for supplying the microsphere together with the stored conductive liquid to the pad on the semiconductor device mounted on the mounting-rotating means;


a retaining means for retaining the conductive liquid containing the microsphere supplied from the storing means to the pad;


a tube that connects between the storing means and the retaining means; and


a vertical movement means that allows the storing means to move to a position above or below the retaining means.




BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS


FIG. 1 shows the composition of a microsphere arranging apparatus in a first preferred embodiment of the invention.



FIG. 2 illustrates a relationship between a tip portion of ejection tube in the microsphere arranging apparatus and a semiconductor device mounted on a mount base.



FIG. 3 shows the composition of a pump of the microsphere arranging apparatus.



FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view showing the composition of a semiconductor device mounted on the mount base of microsphere arranging apparatus.



FIG. 5 is a plain view showing a gap required in accommodating a microsphere with a maximum diameter in a resist hole,



FIG. 6 illustrates a situation that a microsphere deviates from an underlying pad diameter because of a resist hole providing an excessively large gap.



FIG. 7 is a plain view showing a relief groove formed in connection with the resist hole.



FIG. 8 shows the composition of a microsphere arranging apparatus in a second preferred embodiment of the invention.



FIG. 9 shows the composition of a microsphere arranging apparatus in a third preferred embodiment of the invention.



FIG. 10 illustrates a situation that a semiconductor device is mounted on a rotary mounting unit of the microsphere arranging apparatus.



FIG. 11 illustrates a situation that a semiconductor device is mounted on a rotary mounting unit being soaked in conductive liquid in the microsphere arranging apparatus in the third embodiment of the invention.



FIG. 12 shows the composition of a microsphere arranging apparatus in a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention.



FIG. 13 illustrates a situation that a semiconductor device is mounted on a rotary mounting unit being soaked in conductive liquid in the microsphere arranging apparatus in the fourth embodiment of the invention.



FIG. 14 shows the composition of a microsphere arranging apparatus in a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention.



FIG. 15 illustrates the operation of the microsphere arranging apparatus in the fifth embodiment of the invention.



FIG. 16 shows the composition of a microsphere arranging apparatus in a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention.



FIG. 17 illustrates the positions of a transfer bath of the microsphere arranging apparatus and of a semiconductor device mounted on the mount base.



FIG. 18 is a plain view showing a relief groove formed in connection with a resist hole.



FIG. 19 is a plain view showing the shape of resist holes and a relief groove formed in connection with a resist hole.



FIG. 20 is a plain view showing a relief groove formed in connection with a resist hole.



FIG. 21 is a plain view showing a relief groove formed in connection with a resist hole.



FIG. 22 shows the composition of a microsphere arranging apparatus in an eighth preferred embodiment of the invention.



FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view showing a positional relationship among a semiconductor wafer mounted on a mount base of the microsphere arranging apparatus, a pad on the wafer, and a hole formed in a mask to mount a microsphere.



FIG. 24 is a cross sectional view showing a relief groove formed in the mask.



FIG. 25 shows the composition of a microsphere arranging apparatus in a ninth preferred embodiment of the invention.



FIG. 26 is a vibrating means (piezoelectric element) attached to a mount base to mount a semiconductor device.




BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings.


[First Preferred Embodiment]



FIG. 1 shows the composition of a microsphere arranging apparatus in the first Preferred embodiment of the invention.


The microsphere arranging apparatus as shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, applied to a bump electrode forming process of semiconductor device. Namely, the bump electrode forming process is completed such that, after forming a resist on a semiconductor wafer, exposure, development, transferring solder balls to holes on the semiconductor wafer, reflowing of solder balls, and removing of resist are conducted. The microsphere arranging apparatus of the invention is applied to a step of transferring solder balls to holes on the semiconductor wafer.


The microsphere arranging apparatus in FIG. 1 is provided with a transfer bath 1 that is a container allowed accommodating conductive liquid, and that a mount base 3 to mount a semiconductor device 2 As detailed later in FIG. 4 is disposed nearly at the center thereof.


The mount base 3 is composed such that its height in the vertical direction can be changed by a mount base shifter 12. Further, its angle can be freely varied into horizontal/inclined by a supporting portion 4 where the mount base 3 is attached to the mount base shifter 12.


The transfer bath 1 has a bottom face to which one opening of a circulation pipe 5 with flexibility is connected. The other opening of the circulation pipe 5 is connected to the side face of a storage container 6. It is desirable that the bottom face of transfer bath 1 has a structure to facilitate the flowing of microsphere 47 as shown in FIG. 4 and conductive liquid into the circulation pipe 5. For examples as shown in FIG. 1, the bottom of transfer bath 1 is shaped such that its diameter is reduced according as accessing the connection portion with the circulation pipe 5. It is shaped like so called a funnel to facilitate the flowing of microsphere 47 and conductive liquid into the circulation pipe 5.


The storage container 6 is connected through the circulation pipe 5 with the transfer bath 1, and it is connected with a washing pipe 8 at its side face and with an ejection pipe 7 at its bottom. Further, the storage container 6 is structured such that part except for the pipe-connected portion is closed to prevent the evaporation of volatile conductive liquid as much as possible.


It is desirable that the bottom face of storage container 6 has a structure to facilitate the flowing of microsphere 47 and conductive liquid into the ejection pipe 7 so as to prevent the deformation of microsphere 47. For example, it is shaped is shaped like a funnel to facilitate the flowing of microsphere 47 and conductive liquid into the ejection pipe 7.



FIG. 2(a), (b) illustrates the relationship between the tip portion of ejection pipe 7 and the semiconductor device 2.


A flow plate 9 is disposed at the top end of the semiconductor device 2, and conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres 47 falls from the tip of ejection pipe 7 to the flow plate 9.


The conductive liquid is, for example, of ethanol. Other than ethanol, alcohols such as methanol, isopropyl alcohol, butanol, cyclohexanol, glycenol and ethyleneglycol are available. Further, it may be water etc. or mixed liquid of these. Further, it may contain a small amount of additive agents such as dispersing agent and surfactant. For example, the additives are disodium phosphate hydrate, sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium pyrophosphate, sodium linoleate, or cation activator. Liquid with high conductivity is more preferable because it is highly effective for static protection.


The microsphere 47 has a diameter of, e.g., 100 μm or less, i e., 0.1 mm or less. The thickness of conductive liquid flowing through the inclined surface of semiconductor device 2 is about 1 to 2 mm. As compared to the size of microsphere 47, the thickness (depth) is ten to twenty times. Thus, it is equivalent to the case that microspheres 47 are arranged in a bath with conductive liquid, and the same effect of static protection etc. can be obtained thereby. The outlet of ejection pipe 7 is, as shown an arrow Y1 in FIG. 2(a), shifted from side to side by a pipe shift mechanism 10 so as to supply the conductive liquid onto the entire surface of semiconductor device 2.


Further, the circulation pipe 5 is provided with a pump 11 that serves to send the conductive liquid and microsphere 47 accumulated in the transfer bath 1 to the storage container 6. The pump 11 is, as shown in FIG. 3(a), composed of: a rolIer rotating body 31 that its rotation shaft 32 is fixed to a motor (not shown) and that rotates together with the rotation shaft 32 according to the rotation of motor so as to send the conductive liquid and microsphere 47 from the transfer bath 1 to the storage container 6; a plurality of rollers 33 that are attached evenly and rotatably on the circumference of roller rotating body 31; and a circulation tube pressing base 34 that is disposed to sandwich the circulation pipe 5 between the roller 33 and the base 34.


The distance between the roller 33 and the circulation tube pressing base 34 it set such that, as shown in FIG. 3(b), there between and at part of circulation pipe 5 (tube with elasticity) pressed by the rotation of roller 33, a gap Y2 is provided that allows a microsphere 47 to pass through while having its original shape.


Next, the composition of semiconductor device 2 will be explained with reference to FIG. 4.



FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view showing the composition of a semiconductor device.


The semiconductor device 2 as shown in FIG. 4 is composed of: a semiconductor wafer (hereinafter simply referred to as semiconductor wafer) 43 that predetermined semiconductor element and interconnection are formed and a number of pads 42 connected to the predetermined interconnection are arranged on the surface; and a resist 45 that is provided with holes 44 to mount the microsphere 47 such as a solder ball at each of the pads 42.


Provided that the thickness of resist 45 is h, the diameter (hereinafter referred to as microsphere diameter) of microsphere 47 used is d, and the accuracy of microsphere diameter d is ±α micron (μm),


microsphere diameter minimum diameter dmin=d−α, and


microsphere diameter maximum diameter dmax=d+α.


Further, it is preferable to satisfy the condition that the thickness h of resist 45 to accommodate the microsphere 47 in the hole 44 is:

½dmax<h≦dmin


Further, provided that the diameter (hereinafter referred to as resist hole diameter) of hole 44 in the resist 45 is D, a dispersion in processing of hole 44 in the resist 45 is ±β micron, and a clearance needed to accommodate a microsphere 47 with the maximum diameter dmax is γ micron, the minimum resist hole diameter Dmin=D−β has to be equal to or greater than a value obtained by adding a clearance 2γ to the maximum microsphere diameter dmax. Accordingly, it is preferable to satisfy the conditions:

D+β=Dmax (maximum resist hole diameter)
D−β=Dmin (minimum resist hole diameter)
D−β=Dmin≧dmax+2γ
Dmin−dmax≧2γ


For example, if a microsphere 47 of 100 micron is used, the clearance 2γ is suitably 5 to 30 micron. However, according as [Dmin−dmax] to give 2γ increases, two microspheres 47 may be entered in one hole 44 and it becomes difficult to dispose just one therein. On the other hand, it should be avoided that the microsphere 47 gets out of a pad diameter L underneath as shown in FIG. 6. Accordingly, in consideration of the thickness h of resist 45, it is necessary to select the clearance:

2γ=Dmin−dmax


Furthermore, in accommodating a microsphere 47 into the resist hole 44 in the liquid, a gas such as air may prevent the microsphere 47 from entering thereinto since the resist hole 44 is very small. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a relief passage (hereinafter referred to as relief groove) for gas or liquid in connection with the resist hole 44.


The relief groove can be formed, e.g., by etching the resist 45. As shown in FIG. 7(a), a relief groove 49a to connect between holes 44 may be provided. Also, as shown in FIG. 7(b), a relief groove 49b forked at both sides (or one side) of the hole 44 may be provided.


The relief grooves 49a, 49b need to have such a width 1 that a gas or liquid can flow through without being retained since the gas or liquid is difficult to relieve or flow if the width 1 is too narrow. For example, it is to be 5 micron or more.


The accuracy of width 1 of relief groove is given such that the position of microsphere 47 located therein does not get out of a minimum pad diameter Lmin=L−σ, where a dispersion in processing is β and a dispersion in processing of pad diameter L is σ. It it preferable that:

Dmax−dmin+{dmin−{square root}{square root over ( )}(dmin2−lmax2)}<Lmin, and lmax<{square root}{square root over ( )}{dmin2−(Dmax−Lmin)2}


Furthermore, it should be considered that there is a deviation in position between the pad 42 and the hole 44. Although FIG. 5 shows the case that both centers are aligned to each other, they are exactly deviated from each other in most cases.


Next, the process of arranging microspheres 47 into the arrangement holes 44 of semiconductor device 2 will be explained, where the method of arranging microspheres 47 with liquid using the microsphere arranging apparatus abovementioned is applied.


In this embodiment, the method of arranging microspheres 47 onto the semiconductor device 2 is conducted such that the arrangement pallet is not used, the semiconductor device 2 is placed in the air while being mounted on the mount base 3, and, in the air, the microsphere 47 is directly mounted on the pad 42 by flowing down it with conductive liquid.


At first, the semiconductor device 2 with no microsphere 47 mounted is mounted on the mount base 3 that is angle-adjusted to be horizontal. Then, by inclining the mount base 3 at a predetermined angle suitable for the arrangement of microsphere 47, the semiconductor device 2 is located inside (at the in-air position of) the transfer bath 1. At that time, the outlets of washing pipe 8 and ejection pipe 7 are retracted at a position that does not prevent the mounting of semiconductor device 2 onto the mount base 3.


Then, the washing pipe 8 is moved such that the outlet of washing pipe 8 is located over the semiconductor device 2 mounted on the mount base 3. At that time, since the pump 11 stops, the storage container 6 is vacant and therefore the conductive liquid does not flow out of the outlet of washing pipe 8 and ejection pipe 7.


When the pump 11 starts operating at a low speed, the conductive liquid retained in the transfer bath 1 and the flexible circulation pipe 5 is supplied to the storage container 6. Then, the conductive liquid is ejected through the washing pipe 8 and falls on the semiconductor device 2. The conductive liquid fallen on the semiconductor device 2 is flown from the hole 44 through relied groove down to the transfer bath 1. Thereby, gas in the hole 44 can be removed. When a certain time elapses, the outlet of washing pipe 8 is retracted.


Subsequently, when the pump 11 starts operating at a high speed, the microsphere 47 retained in the transfer bath 1 and the flexible circulation pipe 5 is, with conductive liquid, supplied to the storage container 6. In details, the circulation pipe 5 (tube) with elasticity is sequentially pressed by rotating the roller 33, and the conductive liquid including the microsphere 47 is sent forward while being choked through the suitable clearance of circulation pipe 5 to be generated by the pressing. Further, suction is generated according to the passing of roller 33, and the conductive liquid is sequentially sucked and continuously supplied (transported) into falling.


At that time, when the outlet of ejection pipe 7 is shifted as shown by the arrow Y1 in FIG. 2(a), the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid is ejected through the ejection pipe 7 and uniformly falls on the semiconductor device 2. Part of microspheres 47 fallen on the semiconductor device 2 is entered in the hole 44 and the other part of the microsphere 47 with conductive liquid is dropped on the bottom of transfer bath 1. It the conductive liquid is not accumulated in the transfer bath 1 and the semiconductor device 2 is in the air, the microsphere 47 ejected from the ejection pipe 7 together with the conductive liquid is accommodated in hole 44 and the rest of microsphere 47 is dropped in the transfer bath 1.


Since the hole 44 of semiconductor device 2 is provided with the relief groove being connected, the conductive liquid entered in the hole 44 is flown down through the relief groove, then dropped from the mount base 3 onto the bottom of transfer bath 1. Therefore, the microsphere 47 once entered in the hole 44 is not pushed out by the conductive liquid.


The microsphere 47 and the conductive liquid flown down in the transfer bath 1 are sent through the circulation pipe 5 connected to the bottom of transfer bath 1 to the storage container 6 by the operation of pump 11.


After the ejection during a certain time, the pump 11 is switched into the low speed operation, and thereby, of the microsphere 47 and the conductive liquid flown down on the bottom of transfer bath 1, the microsphere 47 is retained at part of circulation pipe 5 and at the bottom of transfer bath 1 and, however, only conductive liquid is transported to the storage container 6.


The mount base 3 is inclined at such an angle that the microsphere 47 already accommodated in the hole 44 does not escape therefrom due to the pressure of liquid, and then the outlet of washing pipe 8 is shifted as shown by the arrows Y1 in FIG. 2(a).


This washing process corresponds to the shaking or oscillation of liquid in the in-liquid arrangement method that the semiconductor device 2 is soaked in the liquid. Thereby, excessive microspheres 47 being stacked in the hole 44 with a microsphere 47 already accommodated therein or being left on the surface of semiconductor device 2 can be removed, and the excessive microsphere 47 can be accommodated in another hole 44 with no microsphere accommodated therein yet.


After the washing during a certain time, the pump 11 stops operating, and thereby the microsphere 47 and the conductive liquid flowing down on the bottom of transfer bath 1 is retained at part of circulation pipe 5 connected to the bottom of the transfer bath 1 and at he bottom of transfer bath 1, and the transportation of conductive liquid to the storage container 6 stops. As a result, the storage container 6 becomes vacant after the conductive liquid left therein completes the flowing down through the washing pipe 8 and the ejection pipe 7.


At the end, the mount base 3 is angle-adjusted to be horizontal, and the semiconductor device 2 with microsphere 47 arranged thereon is taken out.


By repeating the above process, the arrangement of microsphere 47 can be stably conducted while using the microsphere 47 and the conductive liquid repeatedly.


As described above, the microsphere arranging apparatus and the method of arranging microspheres with liquid in the first embodiment is composed such that the semiconductor device 2 is provided that includes: the semiconductor wafer 43 with the predetermined semiconductor element and interconnection and with a number of pads 42 connected the interconnection and attached on the surface thereof; and the resist 45 formed on the semiconductor wafer 43 while having the penetrating holes 44 formed at the respective pads 42 position to mount the microsphere 47, and the microsphere 47 is poured into the hole 44 while being transported thereto together with conductive liquid, thereby being mounted on the pad 42.


Thus, without using the conventional arrangement pallet, the microsphere 47 can be directly mounted on the pad 42 by pouring the microsphere 47 into the resist hole 44 of semiconductor wafer 43 while transporting it together with the conductive liquid. Accordingly, the conventional processes of accommodating the microspheres in the arrangement pallet and then transferring them to the resist hole 44 of semiconductor device 2 are not needed. Therefore, the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the step of transferring the microsphere 47 to the hole 44 of semiconductor device 2 in the bump electrode forming process can be simplified. In the above embodiment, the microsphere 47 is solder ball. The solder ball may be a ball consisting of solder, a plastic core covered with solder, a gold ball or a copper ball with silver plating, or various conductive micro-balls.


Further, since the above semiconductor device 2 has the resist 45 with a thickness of greater than ½ the maximum diameter of microsphere 47 and less than the minimum diameter thereof to be generated in the manufacture accuracy, one microsphere 47 can be surely accommodated in the hole 44 and can be mounted on the pad 42.


Further, the minimum diameter of hole 44 to be generated in the manufacture accuracy is made to be greater than a value obtained by adding the clearance to the maximum diameter of microsphere 47, and the maximum diameter of hole 44 is set such that more than one microsphere 47 does not enter into one hole 44 and the microsphere 47 does not escape from the pad diameter L. Because of this, one microsphere 47 can be surely mounted on the pad 42.


Further, since the relief groove to flow out the gas or conductive liquid from the hole 44 in accommodating the microsphere 47 in the hole 44 is formed to connect with the hole 44, the microsphere 47 can be accommodated smoothly and securely. Therefore, one microsphere 47 can be surely mounted on the pad 42.


Although in the above embodiment the thickness of resist 45 and the diameter of hole 44 are determined such that only one microsphere 47 is entered into the hole 44 of semiconductor device 2, two microspheres 47 may be vertically accommodated in the hole 44, e.g., if the microsphere 47 is a solder ball with plastic core contained therein.


The circulation pipe 5 has such a clearance that allows the microsphere 47 to pass through while having its original shape, at its part to be pressed when the microsphere 47 is transported by means of the pump 11. Because of this, the microsphere 47 can be securely accommodated in the hole 44 of semiconductor device 2 without being deformed, crushed or defaced.


[Second Preferred Embodiment]



FIG. 8 shows the composition of a microsphere arranging apparatus in the second preferred embodiment of the invention.


The liquid flow-down type arrangement method of microsphere 47 to the semiconductor device 2 in this embodiment is conducted such that, without using the arrangement pallet, the semiconductor devise 2 mounted on the mount base 3 is disposed in the conductive liquid, and the microsphere 47 is directly mounted on the pad 42 by pouring the microsphere 47 into the pad 42 together with the conductive liquid.


The microsphere arranging apparatus in FIG. 8 is different from that in the first embodiment in that the storage container 6 can be upward and downward moved by a storage container vertical movement means 25. At first, the storage container 6 waits at a position lower than the transfer bath 1 while containing the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid. When, the semiconductor device 2 is mounted on the mount base 3, the storage container 6 is elevated by operating the storage container vertical movement means 25. According as the storage container 6 is moved to higher than the transfer bath 1, the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid contained in the storage container 6 is ejected through the ejection pipe 7 and falls on the semiconductor device 2 in the conductive liquid. Part of microsphere 47 falling on the semiconductor device 2 is poured into the hole 44 and the remaining microsphere 47 and conductive liquid is flown down into the transfer bath 1.


The microsphere 47 and conductive liquid flown down to the bottom of transfer bath 1 is retained at part of the circulation pipe 5 connected with the bottom of transfer bath 1 and at the bottom of transfer bath 1.


When the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid contained in the storage container 6 is all ejected and then the storage container 6 is moved down to the lower position, the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid retained at part of the circulation pipe 5 connected with the bottom of transfer bath 1 and at the bottom of transfer bath 1 are flown into the storage container 6 through the circulation pipe 5 to be accommodated therein.


The microsphere arranging apparatus and the method of arranging microsphere with liquid in the second embodiment have the same effects as that in the first embodiment.


Further, since the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid is circulated by moving up and down the storage container 6 in stead of using the pump 11, the microsphere 47 can be securely accommodated in the hole 44 of semiconductor device 2 without being deformed, crushes or defaced.


Although in the first and second embodiments the microsphere 47 is supplied to the resist 45 on the semiconductor wafer 43, the semiconductor wafer 43 may be replaced by a wiring board, a semiconductor chip etc. Such an embodiment is included in the technical scope of the invention.


In the first and second embodiments, if an oscillating means to oscillate the mount base 3 is incorporated, the microsphere 47 can be faster accommodated in the hole 44 of semiconductor device 2. Thereby, the working efficiency can be enhanced and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.


[Third Preferred Embodiment]



FIG. 9 shows the composition of a microsphere arranging apparatus in the third preferred embodiment of the invention.


The microsphere arranging apparatus as shown in FIG. 9 is composed of: a transfer bath 1; a rotary mounting unit 53 that the semiconductor device 2 is mounted thereon and rotated thereby; a pump 11; a circulation pipe 5; a storage container 6; an ejection pipe 7; a washing pipe 8, a microsphere supplying nozzle 7a; and a washing nozzle 8a.


The transfer bath 1 is a funnel-shaped container formed by combining a cylinder and a cone, and it accommodates a conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres 47. The transfer bath 1 has an opening formed at the lowest portion and the storage container 6 has an opening formed at the side face. The circulation pipe 5, which is a flexible pipe, is connected between the openings trough the pump 11.


The storage container 6 is a funnel-shaped container formed by combining a cylinder and a cone, and it is placed and fixed over the transfer bath 1 by a supporting member (not shown), and it accommodates a conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres 47. The storage container 6 has an opening formed at the lowest portion, and one end of the ejection pipe 7 with the microsphere supplying nozzle 7a attached thereto is connected to this opening. The storage container 6 also has an opening formed at an arbitrary position of the upper portion of its inclined surface, and one end of he washing pipe 8 with the washing nozzle 8a attached thereto is connected to this opening. The storage container 6 is sealed up except at the pipe-connected portions so as to prevent the volatilization of volatile conductive liquid as much as possible.


The rotary mounting unit 53 is built in near the lowest portion of transfer bath 1, and it is composed of: a motor 53a; a rotating shaft 53b of the motor 53a; a bearing 53c shaped like an elongated cylinder; and a mount base 53d. The motor 53a is disposed outside the transfer bath 1, and the rotating shaft 53b of motor 53a is rotatably inserted into a penetration hole of the bearing 53c that is fixed at the lower portion of the inclined surface of transfer bath 1. The tip of rotating shaft 53b is secured to the center of mount base 53d. Namely, the mount base 53d is disposed being inclined inside the transfer bath 1. The mount base 53d is rotated with the rotating shaft 53b of motor 53a, and thereby the semiconductor device 2 mounted on the mount base 53d is rotated according to the rotation.


The inclination angle of mount base 53d is set such that, after microsphere 47 it once accommodated in the hole 44 of semiconductor device 2 mounted thereof, the microsphere 47 is not spin out from the hole 44 by centrifugal force, and it is not released therefrom due to the pressure of conductive liquid to flow down from the washing nozzle 8a. A shield for waterproofing is disposed between the bearing 53c and the rotating shaft 53b.


The relationship between the microsphere supplying nozzle 7a and the semiconductor device 2 mounted on the mount base 53d will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 10(a) and (b).


Conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres 47 flows down from the tip of microsphere supplying nozzle 7a disposed over the top face of semiconductor device 2. The microsphere 47 has a diameter of 100 μm or less, i.e. 0.1 mm or less, and the conductive liquid flowing down on the inclined surface of semiconductor device 2 has a thickness of about 1 to 2 mm. Thus, as compared to the size of microsphere 47, the thickness (depth) is 10 to 20 times, and this is nearly equivalent to the case that the microspheres 47 are arranged in the bath with conductive liquid. Also, it can have the same effect of static protection etc. In order to pervade the conductive liquid on the entire surface of semiconductor device 2, the semiconductor device 2 is rotated and the microsphere supplying nozzle 7a is placed at the highest portion of semiconductor device 2.


The pump 11 interposed on the path of the circulation pipe 5 serves to transport the conductive liquid and microsphere 47 retained in the transfer bath 1 to the storage container 6.


Next, the process of arranging, in the air, the microsphere 47 into the arrangement hole 44 of semiconductor device 2 by using the microsphere arranging apparatus thus composed will be explained.


The liquid flow-down type arrangement method in this embodiment to arrange the microsphere 47 onto the semiconductor device 2 is conducted such that, without using the arrangement pallet, the microsphere 47 is directly arranged on the pad 42 by pouring the microsphere 47 together with the conductive liquid while rotating, in the air, the semiconductor device 2 mounted on the mount base 53d being inclined by the motor 53a.


At first, the semiconductor device 2 with no microsphere 47 arranged thereon is mounted on the inclined mount base 53a disposed inside (at the in-air position of) the transfer bath 1. At that time, the microsphere supplying nozzle 7a and washing nozzle 8a are retracted at a position that allows the mounting of semiconductor device 2 onto the mount base 53d.


The washing nozzle 8a is shifted such that it is located over the semiconductor device 2 mounted on the mount base 53d. At that time, the storage container 6 is vacant because the pump 11 is stopped, and no conductive liquid is ejected from the nozzles 7a and 8a.


Then, the semiconductor device 2 mounted on the mount base 53d is rotated by driving the motor 53a. Further, by operating the pump 11 at a low speed, conductive liquid retained in the transfer bath 1 and the flexible circulation pipe 5 is supplied to the storage contained 6. Then, conductive liquid is ejected from the washing nozzle 8a through the washing pipe 8 and falls on the semiconductor device 2 being rotated. The conductive liquid fallen on the semiconductor device 2 enters the respective holes 44 while moving downward and in the rotation direction of the semiconductor device 2, further passing through a relief groove (not shown) and then falling into the transfer bath 1. Thereby, gas in the hole 44 is removed. When a certain time elapses, the washing nozzle 8a is retracted.


Then, by operating the pump 11 at a high speed, the microsphere 47 retained in the transfer bath 1 and circulation pipe 5 is supplied to the storage container 6 together with conductive liquid. Thereby, the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid is ejected through the ejection pipe 7 from the microsphere supplying nozzle 7a, and uniformly falls on the semiconductor device 2 being rotated. The microsphere 47 fallen on the semiconductor device 2 enters the hole 44 while being moved in the circumference direction of semiconductor device 2, and the rest of microsphere 47 and conductive liquid falls into the transfer bath 1.


The microsphere 47 and conductive liquid fallen into the transfer bath 1 is transported, through the circulation pipe 5 connected to the lowest portion of the transfer bath 1, to the storage container 6 by the operation of pump 11. After a certain time of ejection the pump 11 is switched into the low speed operation. Thereby, of the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid fallen into the transfer bath 1, the microsphere 47 is retained at part of the circulation pipe 5 being connected to the lowest portion of the transfer bath 1 and at the bottom of transfer bath 1, and only conductive liquid is transported to the storage container 6.


At that time, the washing nozzle 8a is shifted again over the semiconductor device 2 mounted on the mount base 53d.


This washing process corresponds to the shaking or oscillation of liquid in the in-liquid arrangement method that the semiconductor device 2 is soaked in the liquid. Thereby, excessive microspheres 47 being stacked in the hole 44 with a microsphere 47 already accommodated therein or being left on the surface of semiconductor device 2 can be removed, and the excessive microsphere 47 can be accommodated in another hole 44 with no microsphere accommodated therein yet.


After a certain time of washing, the pump 11 stops operating. Thereby, the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid fallen into the transfer bath 1 is retained at part of he circulation pipe 5 being connected to the lowest portion of he transfer bath 1 and at the bottom of transfer bath 1, and the transportation of conductive liquid to the storage container 6 is stopped. At the time of stopping, conductive liquid left in the storage container 6 falls through the nozzles 7a and 8a and thereby the storage container 6 becomes vacant. At the end, the semiconductor devise 2 with the microsphere 47 arranged thereon is released from the mount base 53d.


By repeating such operations, the microsphere 47 can be stably arranged while using, in the air, the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid repeatedly.


Alternatively, by using a microsphere arranging apparatus with a like construction as shown in FIG. 11, the microsphere 47 may be, in the conductive liquid, arranged onto the arrangement hole 44 of semiconductor device 2. Namely, this liquid flow-down type arrangement method to arrange the microsphere 47 onto the semiconductor device 2 is conducted such that, without using the arrangement pallet, the microsphere 47 is directly arranged on the pad 42 by pouring the microsphere 47 together with the conductive liquid while rotating, by the motor 53a, in the conductive liquid of transfer bath 1, the semiconductor device 2, mounted on the mount base 53d being inclined.


In this case, the microsphere 47 is, in the conductive liquid, ejected together with the conductive liquid from the microsphere supplying nozzle 7a, falling on the semiconductor device 2 being rotated, accommodated in the hole 44 while being moved downward and in the rotation direction of he semiconductor device 2.


However, by using, e.g., a mechanism to make the rotating shaft 53b extend and contract, the semiconductor device 2 mounted on the mount base 53d can be controllably located in the conductive liquid or in the air, whereby the setting and releasing of semiconductor device 2 can be facilitated. Further, the storage container 6 with a capacity greater than that of transfer bath may be used. In this case, while closing the ejection port of nozzles 7a, 8a temporarily, by using the pump 11, conductive liquid in the transfer bath 1 may be all transported to the storage container 6 or may be transported thereto until the mount ease 53d is exposed to the air, in order to allow the setting and releasing of semiconductor device 2.


As described above, the microsphere arranging apparatus and the method of arranging microspheres with liquid in the third embodiment is composed such that the semiconductor device 2 composed of: the semiconductor wafer 43 with the predetermined semiconductor element and interconnection and with a number of pads 42 connected the interconnection and attached on the surface thereof; and the resist 45 formed on the semiconductor wafer 43 while having the penetrating holes 44 formed at the respective pads 42 position to mount the microsphere 47 is mounted on the mount base 53d that is disposed being inclined, and the microsphere 47 is, together with conductive liquid, ejected from the microsphere supplying nozzle 7a to the upper portion of semiconductor device 2 while rotating the mount base 53d by the rotating shaft 53b of motor 53a, thereby pouring the microsphere 47 into the hole 44 of semiconductor device 2 to mount it on the pad 42.


Thus, without using the conventional arrangement pallet, the microsphere 47 can be directly mounted on the pad 42 by pouring the microsphere 47 into the resist hole 44 of semiconductor wafer 43 while transporting it together with the conductive liquid. In this case, the microsphere 47 is accommodated in the hole 44 while being moved by the centrifugal force of the semiconductor wafer 43 being rotated Thus, it can be efficiently accommodated in the hole 44. Further, the conventional processes of accommodating the microspheres in the arrangement pallet and then transferring them to the resist hole 44 of semiconductor device 2 are not needed. Accordingly, the microsphere 47 can be efficiently mounted on the pad 42. Further, the semiconductor device 2 is rotated even when it is washed and, therefore, the washing effect can be enhanced since the conductive liquid falling from the washing nozzle 8a is moved by the centrifugal force of semiconductor device 2.


[Fourth Preferred Embodiment]



FIG. 12 shows the composition of a microsphere arranging apparatus in the fourth preferred embodiment of the invention.


The microsphere arranging apparatus as shown in FIG. 12 is composed of: a transfer bath 1; a rotary mounting unit 51 that the semiconductor device 2 is mounted thereon and rotated thereby; a pump 11; a circulation pipe 5; a storage container 6; an ejection pipe 7; a washing pipe 8, a microsphere supplying nozzle 7a; and a washing nozzle 8a.


In this embodiment, the rotary mounting unit 51 is composed of: a motor 51a; rotating shaft 51b of the motor 51a; a bearing 51c shaped like an elongated cylinder; and a mount base 51d. It is built in near the lowest portion of transfer bath 1 such that the mount base 51d is laid horizontally.


Namely, the mount base 51d is disposed horizontally inside the transfer bate 1. The mount base 51d is rotated with the rotating shaft 51b of motor 51a, and thereby the semiconductor device 2 mounted on the mount base 51d is rotated according to the rotation. The microsphere supplying nozzle 7a is disposed at the center or center portion of semiconductor device 2 mounted on the mount base 51d. The washing nozzle 8a is disposed adjacent to the microsphere supplying nozzle 7a.


Next, the process of arranging, in the air, microspheres 47 into the arrangement holes 44 of semiconductor device 2 will be explained, where the method of arranging microspheres 47 with liquid using the microsphere arranging apparatus abovementioned is applied.


The liquid flow-dawn type arrangement method is conducted such that the arrangement pallet is not used, the semiconductor device 2 is placed in the air while being mounted on the mount base 51d horizontally disposed, and the microsphere 47 is directly mounted on the pad 42 by pouring it together with conductive liquid.


At first, the semiconductor device 2 with no microsphere 47 mounted is mounted on the mount base 51d that is disposed horizontally inside (at the in-air position of) the transfer bath 1. At that time, the washing pipe 8 and election pipe 7 are retracted at a position that does not prevent the mounting of semiconductor device 2 onto the mount base 51d.


Then, the washing nozzle 8a is shifted such that it is located over the semiconductor device 2 mounted on the mount base 51d. At that time, since the pump 11 stops, the storage container 6 is vacant and therefore the conductive liquid does not flow out of the nozzles 7a and 8a.


Then, the semiconductor device 2 mounted on the mount base 51d is rotated by driving the motor 51a. Further, by operating the pump 11 at a low speed, conductive liquid retained in the transfer bath 1 and the flexible circulation pipe 5 is supplied to the storage container 6. Then, conductive liquid is ejected from the washing nozzle 8a through the washing pipe 8 and falls on the center portion of the semiconductor device 2 being rotated. The conductive liquid fallen on the semiconductor device 2 enters the respective holes 44 while moving in the circumference direction by the centrifugal force of the semiconductor device 2, further passing through a relief groove (not shown) and then falling into the transfer bath 1. Thereby, gas in the hole 44 is removed. When a certain time (a time needed to wash the semiconductor device 2) elapses, the washing nozzle 8a is retracted.


Then, by operating the pump 11 at a high speed, the microsphere 47 retained in the transfer bath 1 and circulation pipe 5 is supplied to the storage container 6 together with conductive liquid. Thereby, the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid is erected though the election pipe 7 from the microsphere supplying nozzle 7a, and falls on the center portion of the semiconductor device 2 being rotated. The microsphere 47 fallen thereon enters the hole 44 while being moved in the circumference direction by the centrifugal force of the semiconductor device 21, and the rest of microsphere 47 and conductive liquid falls into the transfer bath 1.


The microsphere 47 and conductive liquid fallen into the transfer bath 1 is transported, through the circulation pipe 5 connected to the lowest portion of the transfer bath 1, to the storage container 6 by the operation of pump 11. After a certain time of ejection, the pump 11 is switched into the low speed operation Thereby, of the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid fallen into the transfer bath 1, the microsphere 47 is retained at part of the circulation pipe 5 being connected to the lowest portion of the transfer bath 1 and at the bottom of transfer bath 1, and only conductive liquid is transported to the storage container 6.


At that time, the washing nozzle 8a is shifted again such that it is located over the center portion of the semiconductor device 2 mounted on the mount base 51d, and then the washing process is conducted. By the washing process, excessive microspheres 47 being stacked in the hole 44 with a microsphere 47 already accommodated therein or being left on the surface of semiconductor device 2 can be removed, and the excessive microsphere 41 can be accommodated in another hole 44 with no microsphere accommodated therein yet.


After a certain time of washing, the pump 11 stops operating. Thereby, the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid fallen into the transfer bath 1 is retained at part of the circulation pipe 5 being connected to the transfer bath 1 and at the bottom of transfer bath 1, and the transportation of conductive liquid to the storage container 6 is stopped. At the time of stopping, conductive liquid left in the storage container 6 falls through the nozzles 7a and 8a and thereby the storage container 6 becomes vacant. At the end, the semiconductor device 2 with the microsphere 47 arranged thereon is released from the mount base 51d.


By repeating such operations, the microsphere 47 can be stably arranged while using, in the air, the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid repeatedly.


Alternatively, by using a microsphere arranging apparatus with a like construction as shown in FIG. 13, the microsphere 47 may be, in the conductive liquid, arranged onto the arrangement hole 44 of semiconductor device 2. Namely, this liquid flow-down type arrangement method to arrange the microsphere 47 onto the semiconductor device 2 is conducted such that, without using the arrangement pallet, the microsphere 47 is directly arranged on the pad 42 by pouring the microsphere 47 together with the conductive liquid while rotating, by the motor 51a, in the conductive liquid of transfer bath 1, the semiconductor device 2 mounted on the mount base 51d being horizontally disposed.


In this case, the microsphere 47 is, in the conductive liquid, ejected together with the conductive liquid from the microsphere supplying nozzle 7a, falling on the center portion of the semiconductor device 2 being rotated, accommodated in the hole 44 while being moved in the circumference direction by the centrifugal force of semiconductor device 2.


However, by using, e.g., a mechanism to make the rotating shaft 51b extend and contract, the semiconductor device 2 mounted on the mount base 51d can be controllably located in the conductive liquid or in the air, whereby the setting and releasing of semiconductor device 2 can be facilitated. Further, the storage container 6 with a capacity greater than that of transfer bath 1 may be used. In this case, while closing the ejection port of nozzles 7a, 8a temporarily, by using the pump 11, the conductive liquid in the transfer bath 1 may be all transported to the storage container 6 or may be transported thereto until the mount base 51d is exposed to the air, in order to allow the setting and releasing of semiconductor device 2.


As described above, the microsphere arranging apparatus and the method of arranging microspheres with liquid in the fourth embodiment is composed such that the semiconductor device 2 composed of: the semiconductor wafer 43 with the predetermined semiconductor element and interconnection and with a number of pads 42 connected the interconnection and attached on the surface thereof; and the resist 45 formed on the semiconductor wafer 43 while having the penetrating holes 44 formed at the respective pads 42 position to mount the microsphere 47 is mounted on the mount base 53d that is disposed horizontally, and the microsphere 47 is, together with conductive liquid, ejected from the microsphere supplying nozzle 7a to the center portion of semiconductor device 2 while rotating the mount base 51d by the rotating shaft 51b of motor 51a, thereby pouring the microsphere 47 into the hole 44 of semiconductor device 2 to mount it on the pad 42.


Thus, without using the conventional arrangement pallet, the microsphere 47 can be directly mounted on the pad 42 by pouring the microsphere 47 into the resist hole 44 of semiconductor wafer 43 while transporting it together with the conductive liquid. In this case, the microsphere 47 is accommodated in the hole 44 while being moved from the center or center portion to the circumference by the centrifugal force of the semiconductor wafer 43 being rotated. Thus, it can be efficiently accommodated in he hole 44. Further, the conventional processes of accommodating the microspheres in the arrangement pallet and then transferring them to the resist hole 44 of semiconductor device 2 are not needed. Accordingly, the microsphere 47 can be efficiently mounted on the pad 42. Further, the semiconductor device 2 is rotated even when it is washed and, therefore, the washing effect can be enhanced since the conductive liquid falling from the washing nozzle 8a is moved by the centrifugal force of semiconductor device 2.


[Fifth Preferred Embodiment]



FIG. 14 shows the composition of a microsphere arranging apparatus in the fifth preferred embodiment of the invention.


The microsphere arranging apparatus as shown in FIG. 14 is different from the microsphere arranging apparatus in FIG. 9 in that, instead of the rotary mounting unit 53, a mount base 70 for the semiconductor device 2 and an oscillating unit 71 to oscillate the microsphere supplying nozzle 7a are built in the transfer bath 1. In FIG. 14, the pump 11, storage container 6, washing pipe 8 and washing nozzle 8a are omitted. Hereinafter, the omitted components are explained with reference to FIG. 9.


The mount base 70 is attached, in parallel, to the inclined face of transfer bath 1. When the semiconductor device 2 is mounted thereon, the semiconductor device 2 is secured being inclined.


The oscillating unit 71 is composed of: a motor 71a that is attached to a support member 73 fixed to a support portion 1a of transfer bath 1 through screws 72; a rotating shaft 71b of the motor 71a; a first timing pulley 71c; a nozzle oscillating lever 71e with one end L-shaped; a second timing pulley 71f; a nozzle attaching shaft 71g; and a timing belt 71h.


The first timing pulley 71c is attached through a screw 72d to the support member 73 while having the rotating shaft 71b inserted through its penetrating hole. Thus, the first timing pulley 71c is attached to the support member 73 so as not to prevent the rotation of the rotating shaft 71b.


The end of the rotating shaft 71b is securely fixed to the end of the nozzle oscillating lever 71e. The lever 71e has a penetrating hole formed at its L-shaped edge, and the nozzle attaching shaft 71g is rotatably inserted through the penetrating hole. The nozzle attaching shaft 71g has a microsphere supplying nozzle 7a attached at its top end. The second timing pulley 71f is attached to the lower end of the nozzle attaching shaft, 71g projecting a predetermined length from the L-shaped edge, and secured thereto by a nut 71i. Namely, the microsphere supplying nozzle 7a and the second timing pulley 71f are fixed to the nozzle attaching shaft 71g, but the nozzle attaching shaft 71g is rotatably attached to the L-shaped edge of nozzle oscillating lever 71e.


The first timing pulley 71c and the second timing pulley 71f are connected through the timing belt 71h.


The rotating shaft 71b of motor 71a oscillates in a predetermined section of rotation angle. As shown in FIG. 15, the microsphere supplying nozzle 7a, like an arc, oscillates, as shown by arrows Y4, Y5, from one end to the other end of semiconductor device 2 over the semiconductor device 2 disposed on the mount base 70 while being inclined.


In this case, when the nozzle oscillating lever 71e is rotated in a direction shown by the arrow Y4 together with the rotating shaft 71b, the second timing pulley 71f that is connected through the timing belt 71h to the first timing pulley 71c fixed to the support member 73 is rotated in the reverse direction to the rotating shaft 71b by the same angle. Thereby, the microsphere supplying nozzle 7a attached to the second timing pulley 71f through the nozzle attaching shaft 71g is shifted while facing always downward without having its direction changed as shown. Although the microsphere supplying nozzle 7a is shifted as described above, the washing nozzle 8a is shifted likewise because the washing nozzle 8a is also attached to the nozzle attaching shaft 71g. Meanwhile, the washing nozzle 8a to be attached is omitted from the figures.


Next, the process of arranging, in the air, microspheres 47 into the arrangement holes 44 of semiconductor device 2 will be explained, where the method of arranging microspheres 47 with liquid using the microsphere arranging apparatus abovementioned is applied.


At first, the semiconductor device 2 with no microsphere 47 mounted is mounted on the mount base 70 that is disposed inclined inside (at the in-air position of) the transfer bath 1.


The washing nozzle 8a is shifted such that it is located over the semiconductor device 2 mounted on the mount base 70. At that time, since the pump 11 stops, the storage container 6 is vacant and therefore the conductive liquid does not flow out of the nozzles 7a and 8a.


Then, the nozzles 7a and 8a are oscillated by driving the 10 motor 71a. Further, by operating the pump 11 at a low speed, conductive liquid retained in the transfer bath 1 and the flexible circulation pipe 5 is supplied to the storage container 6. Then, conductive liquid is ejected from the oscillated washing nozzle 8a through the washing pipe 8, and is flown down from one end to the other end of the semiconductor device 2. Thereby, conductive liquid enters the respective holes 44 while moving from one end to the other end of the semiconductor device 2, further passing through a relief groove (not shown) and then falling into the transfer bath 1. Thereby, gas in the hole 44 is removed. When a certain time (a time needed to wash the semiconductor device 2) elapses, the washing nozzle 8a is retracted or closed at its ejection port.


Then, by operating the pump 11 at a high speed, the microsphere 47 retained in the transfer bath 1 and circulation pipe 5 is supplied to the storage container 6 together with conductive liquid. Thereby, the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid is ejected through the ejection pipe 7 from the oscillated microsphere supplying nozzle 7a, and flown down from one end to the other end of the semiconductor device 2. Thereby, the microsphere 47 fallen thereon enters the hole 44 while being moved from one end to the other end of the semiconductor device 2, and the rest of microsphere 47 and conductive liquid falls into the transfer bath 1.


The microsphere 47 and conductive liquid fallen into the transfer bath 1 is transported, through the circulation pipe connected to the lowest portion of the transfer bath 1, to the storage container 6 by the operation of pump 11. After a certain time of ejection, the pump 11 is switched into the low speed operation. Thereby, of the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid fallen into the transfer bath 1, the microsphere 47 is retained at part of the circulation pipe 5 being connected to the lowest portion of the transfer bath 1 and at the bottom of transfer bath 1, and only conductive liquid is transported to the storage container 6.


Then, the washing process is conducted by using the washing nozzle 8a. By the washing process, excessive microspheres 47 being stacked in the hole 44 with a microsphere 47 already accommodated therein or being left on the surface of semiconductor device 2 can be removed, and the excessive microsphere 47 can be accommodated in another hole 44 with no microsphere accommodated therein yet.


After a certain time of washing, the pump 11 stops operating. Thereby, the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid fallen into the transfer bath 1 is retained at part of the circulation pipe 5 being connected to the transfer bath 1 and at the bottom of transfer bath 1, and the transportation of conductive liquid to the storage container 6 is stopped. At the time of stopping, conductive liquid left in the storage container 6 falls through the nozzles 7a and 8a and thereby the storage container 6 becomes vacant. At the end, the semiconductor device 2 with the microsphere 47 arranged thereon is released from the mount base 70.


By repeating such operations, the microsphere 47 can be stably arranged while using, in the air, the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid repeatedly.


Alternatively, by using a microsphere arranging apparatus (not shown) with a like construction, the microsphere 47 may be, in the conductive liquid, arranged onto the arrangement hole 44 of semiconductor device 2. In this case, the microsphere 47 is, in the conductive liquid, ejected together with the conductive liquid from the microsphere supplying nozzle 7a, flown down from one end to the other end of the semiconductor device 2, accommodated in the hole 44.


As described above, the microsphere arranging apparatus and the method of arranging microspheres with liquid in the fifth embodiment is composed such that the semiconductor device 2 composed of: the semiconductor wafer 43 with the predetermined semiconductor element and interconnection and with a number of pads 42 connected the interconnection and attached on the surface thereof; and the resist 45 formed on the semiconductor wafer 43 while having the penetrating holes 44 formed at the respective pads 42 position to mount the microsphere 47 is mounted on the mount base 70 that is disposed inclined, and the microsphere 47 is ejected, together with conductive liquid, ejected from the microsphere supplying nozzle 7a while oscillating the microsphere supplying nozzle 7a from one end to the other end of semiconductor device 2 over the semiconductor device 2, thereby pouring the microsphere 47 into the hole 44 of semiconductor device 2 to mount it on the pad 42.


Thus, without using the conventional arrangement pallet, the microsphere 47 can be directly mounted on the pad 42 by pouring the microsphere 47 into the resist hole 44 of semiconductor wafer 43 while transporting it together with the conductive liquid. In this case, the microsphere 47 is accommodated in the hole 44 while being moved from one end to the other end of semiconductor device 2 together with conductive liquid. Thus, it can be efficiently accommodated in the hole 44. Further, the conventional processes of accommodating the microspheres in the arrangement pallet and then transferring them to the resist hole 44 of semiconductor device 2 are not needed. Accordingly, the microsphere 47 can be efficiently mounted on the pad 42. Further, even when the semiconductor device 2 is washed, the washing effect can be enhanced since the conductive liquid flows down the semiconductor device 2 while being oscillated from one end to the other end of semiconductor device 2.


[Sixth Preferred Embodiment]



FIG. 16 shows the composition of a microsphere arranging apparatus in the sixth preferred embodiment of the invention.


A liquid flow-down type arrangement method to arrange the microsphere 47 onto the semiconductor device 2 by using the microsphere arranging apparatus in the sixth embodiment as shown in FIG. 16 will be explained below. The storage container 6 can be moved upward and downward by a storage container vertical movement means. The storage container 6 is lifted by operating the storage container vertical movement means 81 such that the storage container 6 becomes higher than the transfer bath 1. At that time, the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid accommodated in the storage container 6 are ejected from the microsphere supplying nozzle 9 through the ejection pipe 7, falling on the semiconductor device 2 in the conductive liquid. Part of microspheres 47 fallen on the semiconductor device 2 is accommodated in the hole 44 and the rest of microsphere 47 and conductive liquid falls into the semiconductor device 2.


The transfer bath 1 is supported by a support portion 82. The transfer bath 1 and mount base 53d can be angle-controlled by the support portion 82. When the microsphere 47 is transferred into the hole 44 while making the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid flow down the semiconductor device 2 mounted on the mount base 53d, the transfer bath 1 is preferably controlled to have a suitable angle.


Further, the mount base 53d can be rotated by a rotating means 63. The semiconductor device 2 can be rotated at a suitable speed when the microsphere 47 is transferred into the hole 44 while making the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid flow down the semiconductor device 2 mounted on the mount base 53d. Thereby, the microsphere 47 can be efficiently transferred into the hole 44 and excessive microspheres 47 can be desirably fallen on the bottom of transfer bath 1.


In the case that ethanol is used as the conductive liquid and SnPb eutectic solder ball with a diameter of 100 μm is used as the microsphere, the arrangement can be more efficient while using a combination of an inclination angle and a rotation speed as shown in FIG. 9. If a suitable angle and rotation speed is given, liquid flow is generated in conductive liquid retained in the transfer bath 1 due to the rotation of the semiconductor device 2 and mount base 53d. Due to this liquid flow, the microsphere 47 is efficiently moved on the semiconductor device 2. In this case, it is more effective that an agitator 84 is provided with the mount base 53d to generate the liquid flow. The agitator may be shaped like a protrusion or a netted plate structure to surround the semiconductor device 2. The netted structure is preferred since the semiconductor device 2 can be easily taken out.


The microsphere 47 falling on the bottom of transfer bath 1 is retained at part of the circulation pipe 5 connected to the bottom of the transfer bath 1 and at the bottom of the transfer bath 1.


When the storage container 6 descends to a predetermined lower position after the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid accommodated in the storage container 6 are all ejected to the transfer bath 1, the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid retained at part of the circulation pipe 5 and at the bottom of the transfer bath 1 flow through the circulation pipe 5 into the storage container 6 together with conductive liquid.


The mount base 53d and semiconductor device 2 may be placed such that they are, as shown in FIG. 17, not soaked in conductive liquid retained in the transfer bath 1, and then the microsphere 47 may be transferred into the hole 44 while making the microsphere 41 and conductive liquid fall thereon. Further, the mount base 53d and semiconductor device 2 may be not provided with an inclination in the transferring.


The microsphere arranging apparatus and the method of arranging microspheres with liquid in the sixth embodiment thus composed can have the same effects as the first embodiment.


[Seventh Preferred Embodiment]


Referring to FIGS. 18, 19, 20 and 21, various shapes of resist hole will be detailed.



FIGS. 18 and 19 are plain views showing the shapes of a penetrating hole to mount the microsphere formed in the resist of semiconductor device in the seventh embodiment of the invention. FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view showing a penetrating hole to mount the microsphere formed in the resist of semiconductor device in the seventh embodiment of the invention.


In accommodating, in the liquid, the microsphere 47 into the resist hole 44, the microsphere 47 becomes difficult to accommodate thereinto because of having an obstruction such as air or gas therein due to the microscopic hole 44. Further, since the conductive liquid used in the transferring of microsphere 47 becomes unnecessary after the microsphere 41 is transferred into the resist hole 44. Therefore, after the transferring is completed, it is preferred that the conductive liquid left on the resist hole 44 and semiconductor device 2 is removed as much as possible. Thus, a relief groove for gas or liquid needs to be formed connected to the hole 44 as described earlier.


The relief groove can be formed by, for example, etching the resist 45. Further, it can be formed by using the photolithography technique such as exposure and development while using a photosensitive resist. Further, the hole can be formed by using a laser processing machine or a mechanical processing machine. The laser processing machine is preferred because, when an absorption agent according to the wavelength of laser used is added to the resist material, the processing accuracy can be enhanced and the processing can be conducted without giving a thermal damage on the surface of semiconductor wafer 43 or pad 42.


When the relief groove 49 is, as shown in FIG. 18(a), formed to accord with a direction Y6 of liquid flow, gas such as air can becomes easy to remove in flowing conductive liquid. Although if the relief groove 49 has a greater width 1 the gas or liquid will be easy to remove, it should have such a size that a microsphere 47 once accommodated in the hole 44 is not released. The multiple relief grooves may be provided. If they are, as shown in FIG. 18(b), disposed at an angle θ to the direction Y6 of liquid flow, the releasing of microsphere 47 once accommodated can be prevented, The angle θ may be 0 to 90 degrees and preferably 30 to 60 degrees. Although the above example is illustrated with the relief grooves formed in two directions, they may be formed in three or more directions. The multiple relief grooves 49 may be formed in one direction.


Further, the resist hole 44 may be rectangular as shown in FIG. 19(a), As compared to the circular hole, the efficiency of microsphere 47 to be accommodated into the hole 44 can be enhanced when flowing the liquid in a certain direction. Also, the gas or liquid can be removed easier since its corner 48 functions as a groove 49. As shown in FIG. 19(b), the relief groove 49 may be formed such that neighboring holes 44 are connected. Further, as shown in FIG. 19(c), the relief groove 49 may be formed at an angle θ to the direction Y6 of liquid flow. The angle θ may be 0 to 90 degrees and preferably 30 to 60 degrees.


If the microsphere 47 is accommodated into the resist hole 44 while rotating the mount base 53d by the rotating means 83 as described in the sixth embodiment, the direction of liquid flow varies to the semiconductor device 2. Thus, when the liquid flow-down type arrangement method is conducted using the rotating means, the relief groove 49 is desirably formed such that, as shown in FIG. 20, it defines radial directions Y7 to the hole 44.


Although the resist hole 44 may have, in cross section, a perpendicular wall to the surface of semiconductor wafer 43 as shown in FIG. 4, it may be, as shown in FIG. 21, formed tapered such that the semiconductor wafer 43 side is wider than the surface side of resist 45. Thereby, a microsphere 47 once accommodated therein can be prevented from being released. Such a form can be made by adjusting the conditions of exposure or development or adjusting the focusing in exposure when forming the resist hole 44 by using the photolithography technique on the resist. Further, it may be made by the laser processing while controlling the angle to irradiate laser light.


The above resist hole and relief groove can be applied to the microsphere arranging apparatus and the method of arranging microspheres with liquid in the first to sixth embodiments. Thereby, the microsphere can be arranged while facilitating the removing of gas or liquid and preventing the microsphere once accommodated therein from being released.


[Eighth Preferred Embodiment]



FIG. 22 shows the composition of a microsphere arranging apparatus in the eighth preferred embodiment of the invention.


The microsphere arranging apparatus as shown in FIG. 22 has the same mechanism as the microsphere arranging apparatus in the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 1. However, the semiconductor device 2 mounted on the mount base 3 does not have the resist 45 with the hole 44 for accommodating the microsphere 47 and, instead, a mask 46 is provided. Namely, the semiconductor wafer 43 is mounted on the mount base 3, and the mask 46 is placed that has penetrating holes 44 for disposing the microsphere 47 at the position of pad 42 formed on the semiconductor wafer 43.



FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view showing a positional relationship among the semiconductor wafer 43 mounted on the mount base, the pad 42 on the semiconductor wafer 43, and the hole 44 formed in the mask 46 to mount the microsphere 47. The mask 46 has the hole 44 to accommodating the microsphere 47 like that in the resist explained in the first embodiment or seventh embodiment. The hole 44 is disposed at such a position that the microsphere 47 can be mounted on the pad 42. Also, a holding member is provided that defines a relief gap Y9 between the semiconductor wafer 43 and the mask 46. In flowing the conductive liquid, the gas such as air or liquid can be removed through the relief gap Y9, and therefore the microsphere 47 can be easily accommodated.


The length t of relief gap Y9 is preferably to satisfy the condition:

t≦½dmin

where the diameter of microsphere used is d, the accuracy of microsphere diameter d is ±α micron, therefore the minimum diameter of microsphere dmin=d−α and the maximum diameter of microsphere dmax=d+α.


It is further preferable to satisfy:

¼dmin≦t≦½dmin


Also, the thickness T of mask 46 is preferably to satisfy the condition:

½dmax<T+t≦dmin


The mask 46 may be made by etching, laser-processing or mechanically processing a metal plate such as stainless plate, copper plate and aluminum plate. It may be made by the electroforming of nickel or copper. Further, a silicon mask is available. For example, the mask 46 may be of silicon. The mask 46 of silicon is advantageous because a displacement from the pad 42 can be prevented in forming a bump by fusing the microsphere later due to the coincidence in thermal expansion coefficient between the semiconductor device 2 and the mask. The mask 46 can be made by a mechanical processing such as laser processing or drilling or by etching. The anisotropic etching is preferred because of its advanced processing. For example, when a square pyramid with (111) orientation is made by conducting the anisotropic etching on a silicon wafer with (100) face on its surface, the fine processing can be performed. A penetrating hole can be formed by conducting the anisotropic etching on one side of silicon wafer or by etching both sides thereof. It is preferable to etch both sides thereof in order to control the sectional form of penetrating hole to prevent the microsphere from being released.


In the case of using a metallic mask 46, a resin material etc. may be coated thereon since it may contact the microsphere 47 and thereby cause damage thereto. Also, it may be formed by photolithography using a photosensitive resin. A resin material with photosensitive group such as photosensitive polyimide, photosensitive fluorene resin and photosensitive acrylic resin may be used. Especially, a resin with rigidity such as photosensitive acrylic resin is desirable.



FIG. 24 is a cross sectional view showing a relief groove formed in the mask. As shown, the relief groove 49 is formed on only the semiconductor wafer 43 side without penetrating the mask 46, and thereby the gas or liquid can be removed easily. The mask 46 thus structured may be formed by conducting the electroforming of two or more stages, Further, it may be formed by half-etching, laser processing or mechanical processing after a mask is made by the abovementioned method.


Further, as shown in FIG. 24(c), a bank 50 maybe provided upstream of the pad 42 in a direction Y8 of liquid flow. Thereby, the microsphere 47 once accommodated can be prevented from being released.


Further, as shown in FIG. 24(c), a relief groove 49 may be formed upstream of the hole 44 in the direction Y8 of liquid flow and on the surface side of mask 46. Thereby, the microsphere 47 and conductive liquid can flow down smoothly. The hole 44 of mask 46 may be rectangular or tapered like the hole 44 of resist 45 as described earlier.


The microsphere arranging apparatus and the method of arranging microspheres with liquid in the eighth embodiment thus composed can have the same effects as the first embodiment.


[Ninth Preferred Embodiment]



FIG. 25 shows the composition of a microsphere arranging apparatus in the ninth preferred embodiment of the invention.


The microsphere arranging apparatus as shown in FIG. 25 has the same mechanism as the microsphere arranging apparatus in the third embodiment as shown in FIG. 9. However, the semiconductor device 2 mounted on the mount base 53d does not have the resist 45 with the hole 44 for accommodating the microsphere 47 and, instead, a mask 46 is provided. The composition on the mount base 53d is the same as that in the eighth embodiment as explained with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24.


Therefore, the microsphere arranging apparatus and the method of arranging microspheres with liquid in the ninth embodiment thus composed can have the same effects as the above eighth embodiment.


Furthermore, when the composition that the mask 46 of the microsphere arranging apparatus in the ninth embodiment is provided on the semiconductor wafer 43 is applied to the microsphere arranging apparatus in the fourth to sixth embodiments, the same effects can be obtained.


[Tenth Preferred Embodiment]


In the first to sixth and eighth and ninth embodiments, an oscillating means to oscillate the mount base may be incorporated. Thereby, the microsphere 47 can be faster accommodated into the hole 44 of semiconductor device 2, and the operating efficiency can be enhanced and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.


The oscillating means is, for example, a piezoelectric element to be provided on the back face as shown in FIG. 26 or side face of the mount base 53d. The oscillation is applied desirably in a horizontal direction Y10 to the semiconductor device 2 because the microsphere 47 once accommodated may be released if the oscillation is applied in a vertical direction to the semiconductor device 2. Further, when a traveling wave is generated heading to one direction or directions from the center to the circumference of semiconductor device 2, the microsphere 47 can be faster accommodated in the hole 44 of semiconductor device 2. Thereby, the operating efficiency can be enhanced.


In the first to tenth embodiments, the microsphere 47 is a solder ball. The solder ball may be a ball consisting of solder, a plastic core covered with solder, a gold ball or a copper ball with silver plating, or various conductive micro-balls.


Although in all of the above embodiments the semiconductor wafer 43 is circular, it may be rectangular etc. Even in such a case, the same effects can be obtained.


Although the microsphere 47 is supplied into the resist 45 or mask 46 on the semiconductor wafer 43 therein, the semiconductor wafer 43 may be replaced by a wiring board, a semiconductor chip etc. Such a modified embodiment is also included in the technical scope of the invention.


INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, according to the invention, a method of arranging microspheres with liquid comprises the steps of:


providing a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere; and


pouring the microsphere into the hole together with conductive liquid to mount the microsphere on the pad.


Further, according to the invention, a method of arranging microspheres with liquid comprises the steps of:


providing a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a mask with a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere, the mask being held on the semiconductor device to allow the hole to be disposed on the pad; and


pouring the microsphere into the hole together with conductive liquid to mount the microsphere on the pad.


Thereby, without using the conventional arrangement pallet, the microsphere can be directly mounted on the pad by pouring the microsphere into the resist hole of semiconductor wafer while transporting it together with the conductive liquid. Accordingly, the conventional processes of accommodating the microspheres in the arrangement pallet and then transferring them to the resist hole of semiconductor device are not needed. Therefore, the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the step of transferring the microsphere to the hole of semiconductor device in the bump electrode forming process can be simplified.


Further, by mounting the semiconductor device on the mounting means whose inclination angle can be varied and by supplying the microsphere together with the conductive liquid stored in the storing means to the semiconductor device, the microsphere can be accommodated in the hole arranged in the semiconductor device or in the hole arranged in the mask mounted on the semiconductor device. The conductive liquid containing the microsphere not accommodated is retained by the retaining means and the conductive liquid containing the microsphere retained is transported to the storing means by the pump means. Therefore, the conductive liquid and microsphere can be recycled without being wasted.


Further, in the above semiconductor device, the resist or the combination of mask and relief gap has a thickness that allows the microsphere to be retained in the hole and prevents the two or more microspheres from being entered therein, and a minimum diameter of the hole to be generated due to a manufacture accuracy of the hole is made to be greater than a value obtained by adding a gap to a maximum diameter of the microsphere, and a maximum diameter of the hole is made to prevent the two or more microspheres from being entered into the one hole and prevent the microsphere from being released from the pad. Therefore, the microsphere can be properly mounted on the pad.


Further, the groove that allows the gas or conductive liquid to be removed without being retained in the hole when accommodating the microsphere in the hole is connected to the hole Therefore, the microsphere can be smoothly and properly accommodated, and the microsphere can be properly mounted on the pad.


Further, with the semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere, the microsphere is poured into the hole together with conductive liquid while rotating the semiconductor device to mount the microsphere on the pad. Therefore, the microsphere can be efficiently mounted on the pad of the semiconductor device.

Claims
  • 1. A method of arranging microspheres with liquid, comprising the steps of: providing a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere; and pouring the microsphere into the hole together with conductive liquid to mount the microsphere on the pad.
  • 2. A method of arranging microspheres with liquid, comprising the steps of: providing a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a mask with a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere, the mask being held on the semiconductor device to allow the hole to be disposed on the pad; and pouring the microsphere into the hole together with conductive liquid to mount the microsphere on the pad.
  • 3. A microsphere arranging apparatus, comprising: a base for mounting a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere; a storage container for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres and for supplying microspheres together with the stored conductive liquid to a semiconductor device mounted on the base; and a retaining device for retaining conductive liquid containing microspheres supplied from the storing container to the semiconductor device.
  • 4. A microsphere arranging apparatus, comprising: a base for mounting a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere; a storage container for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres and for supplying the microspheres together with the stored conductive liquid to a semiconductor device mounted on the base; a retaining device for retaining conductive liquid containing microspheres supplied from the storage container to the semiconductor device; a tube that connects between the storage container and the retaining device; and a pump that is built in the tube to transport conductive liquid containing microspheres retained in the retaining device to the storage container.
  • 5. The microsphere arranging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: the pump comprises a base, a rotating body and a plurality of rollers that are rotatably attached to the circumference of the rotating body; the tube is a flexible tube disposed between the roller and the base; and a clearance between the roller and the tube disposed is provided so as to have a gap that allows microsphere microspheres contained in the conductive liquid to pass through inside the tube while having its original shape when the tube is pressed by the rotation of the roller.
  • 6. A microsphere arranging apparatus, comprising: a base for mounting a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and for holding a mask with a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere so as to allow the hole to be disposed on the pad; storage container for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres and for supplying the microspheres together with the stored conductive liquid through the mask to a semiconductor device mounted on the base; and a retaining device for retaining conductive liquid containing microspheres supplied from the storage container to the semiconductor device.
  • 7. A microsphere arranging apparatus, comprising: a base for mounting a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and for holding a mask with a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microspheres so as to allow the hole to be disposed on the pad; a storage container for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres and for supplying microspheres together with the stored conductive liquid through the mask to the semiconductor device mounted on the base; a retaining device for retaining conductive liquid containing microspheres supplied from the storage container to the semiconductor device; a tube that connects between the storage container and the retaining device; and a pump that is built in the tube to transport conductive liquid containing microspheres being retained in the retaining device to the storage container.
  • 8. A microsphere arranging apparatus, comprising: a base for mounting a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere; a storage container for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres and for supplying microspheres together with the stored conductive liquid to the semiconductor device mounted on the base; a retaining device for retaining conductive liquid containing microspheres supplied from the storage container to the semiconductor device; a tube that connects between the storage container and the retaining device; and a lift that allows the storage container to move to a position above or below the retaining device.
  • 9. A microsphere arranging apparatus, comprising: a base for mounting a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and for holding a mask with a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere so as to allow the hole to be disposed on the pad; a storage container for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres and for supplying microspheres together with the stored conductive liquid through the mask to a semiconductor device mounted on the lift; a retaining device for retaining conductive liquid containing microspheres supplied from the storage container to the semiconductor device; a tube that connects between the storage container and the retaining device; and a lift that allows the storage container to move to a position above or below the retaining device.
  • 10. A semiconductor device, comprising: a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer; and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere, wherein the resist has a thickness that allows the microsphere to be retained in the hole and prevents the two or more microspheres from being entered therein.
  • 11. A semiconductor device, comprising: a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer; and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere, wherein a minimum diameter of the hole to be generated due to a manufacture accuracy of the hole is made to be greater than a value obtained by adding a gap to a maximum diameter of the microsphere, and a maximum diameter of the hole is made to prevent the two or more microspheres from being entered into the one hole and prevent the microsphere from being released from the pad.
  • 12. A semiconductor device, comprising: a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer; and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere, wherein the resist has a thickness that allows the microsphere to be retained in the hole and prevents the two or more microspheres from being entered therein, a minimum diameter of the hole to be generated due to a manufacture accuracy of the hole is made to be greater than a value obtained by adding a gap to a maximum diameter of the microsphere, and a maximum diameter of the hole is made to prevent the two or more microspheres from being entered into the one hole and prevent the microsphere from being released from the pad.
  • 13. A semiconductor device, comprising: a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer; and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere, wherein the resist has a thickness that allows a plurality of the microspheres to be accommodated in the hole.
  • 14. A semiconductor device, comprising: a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer; and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere, wherein the hole is formed tapered such that the semiconductor wafer side is wider than the resist surface side.
  • 15. A semiconductor device, comprising: a semiconductor wafer with a pad formed in a predetermined pattern on its surface; a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a hole formed in the predetermined pattern at a corresponding position to the pad; and a microsphere accommodated in the hole, wherein the hole is provided with a relief to release a conductive liquid and a gas left in the hole outside the hole when the microsphere is supplied together with the conductive liquid.
  • 16. A method of arranging microspheres with liquid, comprising the steps of: providing a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere; and pouring the microsphere into the hole together with conductive liquid while rotating the semiconductor device to mount the microsphere on the pad.
  • 17. A method of arranging microspheres with liquid, comprising the steps of. providing a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere; disposing the semiconductor device to be inclined; and pouring the microsphere into the hole together with conductive liquid while oscillating an ejection device for ejecting the microsphere together with the conductive liquid between one end to the other end of the semiconductor device over the inclined semiconductor device so as to mount the microsphere on the pad.
  • 18. A method of arranging microspheres with liquid, comprising the steps of: providing a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a mask with a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere, the mask being held on the semiconductor device to allow the hole to be disposed on the pad; and pouring the microsphere into the hole together with conductive liquid while rotating the semiconductor device to mount the microsphere on the pad.
  • 19. A method of arranging microspheres with liquid, comprising the steps of: providing a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a mask with a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere, the mask being held on the semiconductor device to allow the hole to be disposed on the pad; disposing the semiconductor device to be inclined; and pouring the microsphere into the hole together with conductive liquid while oscillating an ejection device for ejecting the microsphere together with the conductive liquid between one end to the other end of the semiconductor device over the inclined semiconductor device so as to mount the microsphere on the pad.
  • 20. A microsphere arranging apparatus, comprising: a mounting-rotating base for mounting a semiconductor device and for rotating the semiconductor device mounted, the semiconductor device including a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere; a storage container for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres and for supplying the microspheres together with the stored conductive liquid to the semiconductor device mounted on the mounting-rotating base; and a retaining device for retaining conductive liquid containing microspheres supplied from the storage container to the semiconductor device.
  • 21. A microsphere arranging apparatus, comprising: a base for mounting a semiconductor device while disposing the semiconductor device to be inclined, the semiconductor device including a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a resist formed on the semiconductor wafer and having a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere; a storage container for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres; a first ejection tube for ejecting microspheres together with the conductive liquid; an oscillator for oscillating the first ejection tube between one end to the other end of the semiconductor device over the semiconductor device inclined; and a retaining device for retaining the conductive liquid containing microspheres ejected from the first ejection tube to the semiconductor device.
  • 22. A microsphere arranging apparatus, comprising: a mounting-rotating base for mounting a semiconductor device and for rotating the semiconductor device mounted, the semiconductor device including a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and for holding a mask with a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere so as to allow the hole to be disposed on the pad; a storage container for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres and for supplying the microspheres together with the stored conductive liquid to the pad on the semiconductor device mounted on the mounting-rotating base; and a retaining device for retaining the conductive liquid containing the microsphere supplied from the storage container to the pad.
  • 23. A microsphere arranging apparatus, comprising: a base for mounting a semiconductor device while disposing the semiconductor device to be inclined, the semiconductor device including a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and for holding a mask with a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere so as to allow the hole to be disposed on the pad; a storage container for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres; a first ejection tube for ejecting the microspheres together with the conductive liquid; an oscillator for oscillating the first ejection tube between one end to the other end of the semiconductor device over the pad of the semiconductor device; and a retaining device for retaining the conductive liquid containing the microsphere ejected from the first ejection tube to the pad.
  • 24. A microsphere arranging apparatus, comprising: a mounting-rotating base for mounting a semiconductor device and for rotating the semiconductor device mounted, the semiconductor device including a semiconductor wafer with a predetermined semiconductor element and an interconnection and with a number of pads connected the interconnection and attached on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and for holding a mask with a penetrating hole formed at the respective pad positions to mount the microsphere so as to allow the hole to be disposed on the pad; a storage container for storing conductive liquid containing a number of microspheres and for supplying the microspheres together with the stored conductive liquid to the pad on the semiconductor device mounted on the mounting-rotating base; a retaining device for retaining the conductive liquid containing microspheres supplied from the storage container to the pad; a tube that connects between the storage container and the retaining device; and a lift that allows the storage container to move to a position above or below the retaining device.
Priority Claims (3)
Number Date Country Kind
2002-3869 Jan 2002 JP national
2002-40116 Feb 2002 JP national
2002-206047 Jul 2002 JP national
PCT Information
Filing Document Filing Date Country Kind
PCT/JP03/00148 1/10/2003 WO