Patent ID: 9159556
Filing Date: 2015-10-13
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for processing a chip having a first metal pad in the chip region and a second metal pad in the kerf region, the method comprising: silylating a metal oxide comprising a surface layer on the first metal pad and on the second metal pad by replacing hydroxyl groups at binding sites over at least a portion of a top surface of the surface layer with siloxyl groups so as to increase hydrophobicity and decrease pitting corrosion; after the metal oxide is silyated, removing the surface layer from the first metal pad; after the surface layer is removed from the first metal pad, contacting the first metal pad with a probe of a wafer prober; testing the chip for a functional defect with a test signal communicated from the probe to the first metal pad; and after the chip is tested for the functional defect, installing the chip in an end product with the surface layer on the second metal pad.