Patent ID: 6667625
Filing Date: 2003-12-23
Classification: B23K,G01R,H01L

Abstract:
An apparatus for detecting bonding wire in a bore through an ultrasonic bonding tool tip comprising;a. switching means for alternately electrically conductively connecting and disconnecting one of an ultrasonic bonding tool or a source of bonding wire for said tool from a ground terminal electrically conductively connected to the other of said source of bonding wire for said tool or said tool, b. continuity detection means for providing a continuity signal if continuity exists between an inner wall surface of said bore through said ultrasonic bonding tool tip and a segment of bonding wire continuous with wire from said source of bonding wire and within said bore of said bonding tool tip, c. status signal generator means connected to said continuity detection means for generating a status signal of a first type when continuity is detected, and a status signal of a second type when continuity is not detected, said continuity detection means and said status signal generator means functioning during a time period when said wire source and said tool are electrically conductively disconnected, and d. vibrating means for vibrating said bonding tool when said bonding wire source and said tool are electrically conductively disconnected, whereby a wire segment within said tool tip bore and spaced apart from a wall surface of said bore is made to intermittently electrically contact said bore wall surface to thereby indicate continuity, owing to relative motion between the tool and wire caused by movement of said tool and inertia of said wire.