Abstract:
A microelectronic component is fabricated by bonding a flexible sheet in tension on a rigid frame so that the sheet spans an aperture in the frame, and performing one or more operations on features on the flexible sheet which will be incorporated into the finished component. The fame maintains dimensional stability of the sheet and aids in regsitration of the sheet with external elements such as processing tools or other parts which are to be assembled with the sheet. Desirably, the frame has a coefficient of thermal expansion different from that of the sheet so that when the sheet is brought from the bonding temperature to the temperature used in processing, differential thermal expansion or contraction will cause increased tension in the sheet.
Abstract:
A method of making a microelectronic assembly includes bonding a plurality of lead connection sections arranged in a row to contacts of a microelectronic element such as a semiconductor chip having contacts in rows at the periphery of the chip. The leads have terminal sections secured to a dielectric support structure, and horizontally curved sections between the terminal regions and bond regions. After bonding, the dielectric support structure is lifted upwardly relative to the chip, so as to bend the leads into a vertically-extensive orientation. Partial straightening of the original horizontal curvature allows each lead to stretch and accommodate the vertical movement.
Abstract:
A method and an apparatus for providing a planar and compliant interface between a semiconductor chip and its supporting substrate to accommodate for the thermal coefficient of expansion mismatch therebetween. The compliant interface is comprised of a plurality of compliant pads defining channels between adjacent pads. The pads are typically compressed between a flexible film chip carrier and the chip. A compliant filler is further disposed within the channels to form a uniform encapsulation layer having a controlled thickness.
Abstract:
A cover layer of a flexible printed circuit includes a first hole and a plurality of openings. The first hole has substantially the same diameter as that of a positioning piece of an inspection machine. A distance between the first hole and each of the openings is predetermined. After the cover layer is adhered to the base member, a second hole is formed on the base member inside the first hole. A diameter of the second hole is smaller than that of the first hole. At the time of a continuity test, the second hole is deformed by a insertion of the portioning piece, so that the positioning piece is inserted into the first hole. As a result, the flexible printed circuit is positioned on the basis of the first hole.
Abstract:
An improved electrical interconnect system for a flexible circuit which includes: a flexible first layer; at least one protrusion on the flexible first layer that has an electrical contact; a second layer having at least one electrical contact; and a spring apparatus coupled to the flexible first layer and to the second layer for pressing the electrical contact on a protrusion on the flexible first layer to the electrical contact on the second layer to electrically connect the electrical contact on the protrusion to the electrical contact on the second layer. In a specific embodiment the spring apparatus for pressing the electrical contact on the protrusion of the flexible first layer to the electrical contact on the second layer includes relief for allowing the flexible first layer to deform during assembly of the improved electrical interconnect system for a flexible circuit. In an alternate specific embodiment the electrical contacts on the protrusions on the flexible first layer and the corresponding electrical contacts on the second layer are coated with gold. In another alternate specific embodiment the improved electrical interconnect system includes an alignment apparatus coupled to the flexible first layer and the second layer and the spring apparatus for aligning the flexible first layer with the second layer and the spring apparatus. The improved electrical interconnect system for a flexible circuit provides higher interconnect density, reduced cost and increased reliability compared to conventional interconnect systems.
Abstract:
An improved interconnect system for an inkjet printer. The inventive interconnect system includes first and second unitary flexible circuits having first and second sets of contacts, respectively, for providing first and second electrical interconnections, respectively. The first and second flexible circuits are aligned and retained so that contacts thereon engage corresponding contacts disposed on a rigid support. In a specific implementation, the first flexible circuit is aligned by a first set of pins arranged along a first axis and the flexible circuit is aligned by a second set of pins arranged along a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis. This arrangement allows for the alignment and mounting of two flexible circuits on a single printer carriage without a substantial increase in the width thereof. The first flexible circuit may be used to connect the inkjet pens to the electronic drive circuit and the second flexible circuit may be used to connect a paper sensor or other device to the electronic circuit.
Abstract:
An electrical connector assembly includes a housing fabricated of a first metal material and having at least one integral pin projecting from a face thereof. A flat flexible circuit is mounted against the face of the housing and includes a ground plane on a side thereof facing the housing. The circuit has a hole for receiving the integral pin of the housing. The ground plane is of a second metal material different from that of the housing. An omni-directional conductive adhesive is deposited on the ground plane over the area of the hole to expand the conductive interface between the metal housing and the metal ground plane. Preferably, the conductive adhesive includes abrasive grain-like particles.
Abstract:
This invention concerns a hybrid printed circuit board which permits easy and reliable connection between small-current circuit conductors and large-current circuit conductors. The hybrid printed circuit board of this invention comprises: an insulating substrate of synthetic resin having fixing bosses erected thereon; a flexible printed circuit sheet having small-current circuit conductors; and busbars as large-current circuit conductors; wherein the flexible printed circuit sheet is stacked and arranged on the insulating substrate so that the fixing bosses erected on the insulating substrate pass through and above the flexible printed circuit sheet, the busbars as large-current circuit conductors are put in contact with the small-current circuit conductors, and the fixing bosses are heated and deformed to fix the busbars in place.
Abstract:
A semiconductor chip is packaged within film carriers which serve as the enclosure of the semiconductor chip. The finished semiconductor device is flexible, bendable, and very thin. In manufacturing this semiconductor device, the process of laminating film carriers, the process of electrically connecting the semiconductor chip and film carriers, and the process of sealing the semiconductor chip, can be performed at the same time, shortening the manufacturing time and reducing manufacturing cost.
Abstract:
A molded circuit board has an aperture wherein a contact member is flexibly carried by a living hinge. Conductor traces are plated upon the contact member, the living hinge, and the circuit board. The conductor traces form contacts on the contact member which are electrically connected to the conductor traces on the circuit board. A mating connector, having resilient contacts, is inserted into the aperture, folding back the contact member. The resilient contacts engage the contacts on the contact member. Another embodiment includes dual contact members hinged on opposing sides of an aperture. A further embodiment has a contact member which is folded up and inserted into a mating connector. In the above embodiments the contact members are molded with thin breakable portions of material holding the contact members in planes of the circuit boards. The present invention is formed from a polymeric material including one of polypropylene, polyethylene, and nylon. The polymeric material includes fillers including at least one of calcium carbonate, glass, and talc for heat stability. The polymeric material is pretreated in an organic solvent, such as turpentine, before etching during the plating process.