Pb-free micro-joints (50 μm pitch) for the next generation micro-systems: The fabrication, assembly and characterization

Abstract

To support the next generation highly integrated microsystem with 3-D silicon integration using fine pitch interconnection and Si carrier, we develop a fabrication and assembly process at IBM Research to produce solder microjoints (fine pitch flip-chip interconnections) for our system-on-package (SOP) technology. [1-3] We fabricate solder bumps with 25 pm (or less) in diameter on 50 μm pitch size, as well as 50 μm in diameter on 100 μm pitch size, at wafer level (200mm) by electroplating method. There are up to 10208 micro-bumps (25 pm) built on a chip surface less than 0.4 cm 2. The process can be applied to various solder compositions, including eutectic SnPb, Pb-free (CuSn), AuSn and high Pb (3Sn97Pb) solders. The test matrix includes different solder/UBM (under bump metallization) combination. In this paper, the discussion focuses on the fabrication, assembly and characterization of the micro-joints made with of Pb-free (CuSn) and eutectic SnPb solders with Ni and/or Cu stack plating. The preliminary electrical and mechanical test results indicated that reliable and high yield micro-bumps can be successfully made with this fabrication and assembly process. © 2006 IEEE.