Patent ID: 6986701
Filing Date: 2006-01-17
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
1. A polishing pad assembly for use in a CMP process using a sensor assembly to detect the progress of the CMP process, said polishing pad assembly comprising: a pad having a center; a releasable mating structure disposed at the center of the pad, said releasable mating structure having a first set of electrical contacts disposed thereon; sensor assembly disposed within the pad, said sensor assembly radially spaced from the center of the pad; and an electrical conductor connecting the sensor assembly to the releasable rotating mating structure; and a hub adapted to be releasably attached to the releasable mating structure, said hub having a second set of electrical contacts disposed thereon such that insertion of the hub into the releasable fitting results in electrical contact between the first set of electrical contacts and the second set of electrical contacts; wherein the releasable mating structure further comprises a snap ring assembly disposed in the center of the polishing pad, said snap ring assembly having snap ring and a hub receiving aperture, said hub, receiving aperture having a bottom; a contact pad disposed on the bottom of the hub receiving aperture, wherein the first set of electrical contacts are disposed on the contact pad, and wherein said contacts face towards the hub receiving aperture; and the electrical conductor electrically connects the sensor assembly to the plurality of electrical contacts on the bottom of the snap ring.