Patent ID: 7357850
Filing Date: 2008-04-15
Classification: C25D

Abstract:
1. An electroplating apparatus for electroplating a workpiece, comprising: an electroplating reactor including a cup-shaped reactor vessel for holding electroplating solution, said reactor vessel defining an axis, with the workpiece being positionable in generally transverse relationship to said axis; a segmented anode array positioned generally at the lower extent of said reactor vessel in generally perpendicular relationship to said axis, said anode array comprising a plurality of circular anode segments arranged in concentric relationship to each other about said axis, wherein a central-most one of said anode segments is an annular ring-shaped electrode having a central opening aligned with said axis; a conduit in the reactor, the conduit configured to direct a flow of electroplating solution upwardly toward the workpiece through a portion of the reactor, wherein the conduit is aligned with said opening such that the electroplating solution flows along an upward path through the opening of the central-most anode; and an anode support having apertures arranged concentrically to direct flows of processing solution generally between adjacent anodes.