Texas Instruments Corporation

Gary W Andrews

James F Belcher

Terry R Turner

Robert M Dix

Timothy A Ellis

A retractable probe system (12) senses in situ a plurality of predetermined process parameters of a wafer (24) fabrication environment (16) and includes a sensing device (47) for sensing the predetermined process parameters, a probe arm (46) for holding sensing device (47) and having sufficient length to extend sensing device (47) into a predetermined location of the fabrication environment (16). A housing (36) receives the sensing device (47) and probe arm (46). A locator mechanism (52, 42, and 44) controllably locates sensing device 47) and probe arm (46) within fabrication environment (16) and within housing (36). An isolator mechanism (34) isolates sensing device (47) and probe arm (46) within housing (36) and essentially out of gases communication with fabrication environment (16). Cleaning mechanism (54) cleanses sensing device (47) within housing (36) and permits sensing device (47) to be immediately thereafter located in fabrication environment (16).

Retractable probe system with in situ fabrication environment process

A bonding apparatus (40) is provided for use in coupling a first substrate (20) with flip chip type interconnections (24) to a second substrate (22) having matching flip chip type interconnections (26). The bonding apparatus (40) includes a pedestal assembly (50) which may be used to align and couple the first substrate (20) with the second substrate (22) and transport the substrates (20 and 22) from the bonding apparatus (40) to a heater assembly (110). Magnetic force is used to maintain the alignment of the first substrate (20) with the second substrate (22) during temperature cycling within the heater assembly. The pedestal assembly (50) includes a magnet slidably disposed on the exterior of the pedestal assembly (50). For some applications, the magnet (60) may be formed from one or more permanent magnets. For other applications, magnet (60) may be formed from one or more electromagnets.

Apparatus and method for flip-chip bonding

A bonding apparatus (40) having one or more electromagnets (60) is provided for use in coupling a first substrate (20) with flip chip type interconnections (24) to a second substrate (22) having matching flip chip type interconnections (26). The bonding apparatus (40) includes a pedestal assembly (50) which may be used to align and couple the first substrate (20) with the second substrate (22). The bonding apparatus (40) includes an electrical control system (108) with a control unit (130) for varying the amount of electrical power supplied to the electromagnet (60). One or more heater assemblies (110) are provided for temperature cycling of the substrates (20 and 22) during the bonding process. Magnetic force is used to maintain the alignment of the first substrate (20) with the second substrate (22) during temperature cycling.

Apparatus and method for flip-clip bonding

An improved cryogenic refrigerator having a drive mechanism suitable for use with gap or clearance seals is disclosed. The drive mechanism includes two reciprocating members, e.g. piston and regenerator/displacer, driven by a common rotating drive shaft. The regenerator/displacer portion of the drive shaft includes a roller at one end in engagement with a rod base plate for driving a rod connected to the regenerator/displacer and a spring for returning the regenerator/displacer simultaneously with the withdrawal of the drive shaft. The piston portion of the drive shaft is connected to a first end of a hollow body. The second end of the hollow body which is opposite the first end has the piston rigidly affixed thereto. The hollow body has a portion adjacent the first end supported by a guide whereby the piston is substantially isolated from side force loads during reciprocation.

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Dallas, TX, United States of America

Gary W Andrews