Patent ID: 6736698
Filing Date: 2004-05-18
Classification: B24B,H01L

Abstract:
An apparatus for transmitting signals from a planarizing device, the planarizing device having a support, a platen assembly connected to the support, and a carrier movable relative to the platen assembly and the support to remove material from a semiconductor substrate positioned between the carrier and the platen assembly, the apparatus comprising:a force sensor connected to the carrier, the sensor generating a signal corresponding to a force exerted against the substrate by the carrier; an electronic device spaced apart from the sensor; and a wireless communication link coupled between the sensor and the electronic device to transmit the signal from the sensor to the electronic device, wherein the communication link comprises at least one transmitting transducer coupled to a transmitter and attached to the carrier, the communication link further including a receiving transducer spaced apart from the transmitting transducer, the transmitting transducer moving relative to the receiving transducer while the semiconductor substrate is planarized.