Abstract:
A drawing tool and method having a snap function for constraining items drawn and/or modified to precise angles and precise intervals of polar coordinates is described. Using the drawing tool and method, objects may be drawn or modified at precise angles and intervals in accordance with user settable parameters.
Abstract:
A method for forming a solder-bumped circuit trace on a planar dielectric substrate includes fabricating a trace having an intersection between linear section, depositing onto the trace a uniform thin plate of solder alloy and reflowing the solder alloy to form a bump at the intersection. More particularly, the trace comprises first and second linear sections that intersect at an angle between 45 degrees and 135 degrees and have widths preferably between 50 and 150 microns. The solder plate is deposited, preferably by electroplating, at a thickness between about 10 and 25 microns. Thereafter, when the trace is heated to melt the solder layer, the solder coalesces at the intersection to form the bump.
Abstract:
An improved method is provided for assembling an integrated circuit component to a substrate by a solder bump interconnection that is reinforced by a polymer film. The component is attached to a region of the substrate by a plurality of solder bump interconnections that create a gap between the component interface and the substrate region. A polymer dam is applied to the region encircling the attached component spaced apart therefrom. A liquid polymer precursor material is applied to the region including the gap and is confined by the dam to prevent indiscriminate flow across the substrate. In one aspect of this invention, gas is vented from the gap through a passage in the substrate to enhance fill by the precursor liquid. In another aspect of this invention, the precursor liquid is injected into the gap through a passage in the substrate and spread outwardly therefrom. In any event, the precursor liquid infiltrates the gap about the solder interconnections and is cured to form a film that reinforces and protectively encapsulates the solder interconnections.