Test carrier and board assembly

A test carrier 10A comprises: a base board 21A which holds a die 90; and a cover board 31A which is laid over the base board 21A so as to cover the die 90. The test carrier 10A comprises a seal member 24 which is interposed between the base board 21A and the cover board 31A and which surrounds the die 90.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a test carrier on which a die chip is temporarily mounted for testing an integrated circuit device or other electronic circuit device which is formed in the die chip and relates to a board assembly of that test carrier.

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-93867 filed on Apr. 20, 2011 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-236482 filed on Oct. 27, 2011. The contents described and/or illustrated in the documents relevant to the Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-93867 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-236482 will be incorporated herein by reference as a part of the description and/or drawings of the present application.

BACKGROUND ART

As a test package which temporarily packages a chip-like device which is cut from a wafer, there is known one which clamps the device between a first board and a second board and sucks out the gas between the first board and second board to seal the device inside of the test package (for example, see PLT 1).

CITATIONS LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

In the above test package, the atmospheric pressure of the outside world is utilized to make the device terminals and the board side terminals contact each other, so the space which is formed between the first board and the second board is required to have a high air-tightness.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a test carrier which can secure a high air-tightness and to provide a board assembly of such a test carrier.

Solution to Problem

[1] A test carrier according to the present invention is a test carrier comprising: a base board which holds an electronic device; a cover board which is laid over the base board so as to cover the electronic device; and a seal member which is interposed between the base board and the cover board and surrounds the electronic device.

[2] In the above invention, the seal member may comprise a ring-shaped elastic member which has electrical conductivity.

[3] In the above invention, the base board or the cover board may have an adhesive member which is adhered to the seal member.

[4] In the above invention, the seal member may have a groove in which part of the cover board or the base board is inserted.

[5] In the above invention, the base board or the cover board may have a flat part which contacts the seal member.

[6] In the above invention, the seal member may comprise a paste-form gel material or a sheet-shaped gel material.

[7] In the above invention, the electronic device may be a die which is formed by dicing a semiconductor wafer.

[8] In the above invention, an accommodation space which is formed between the base board and the cover board and which accommodates the electronic device may be reduced in pressure compared with the outside air.

[9] A board assembly according to the present invention is a board assembly of a test carrier, the board assembly comprising: a board; a ring-shaped seal member; and an adhesive member which is provided on the board and which adheres to the seal member.

[10] In the above invention, the seal member may comprise an elastic material which has electrical conductivity.

[11] A board assembly according to the present invention is a board assembly of a test carrier, the board assembly comprising: a board; and a ring-shaped seal member, wherein the seal member has a groove in which part of the board is inserted.

[12] In the above invention, the seal member may comprise an elastic material which has electrical conductivity.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

In the present invention, a seal member is interposed between the base board and the cover board, so a high air-tightness can be secured.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Below, embodiments of the present invention will be explained based on the drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a flowchart showing part of a process of production of a device in a first embodiment of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, after a semiconductor wafer is diced (after step S10ofFIG. 1) and before final packaging (before step S50), an integrated circuit or other electronic circuit which is built into the die90is tested (steps S20to S40).

In the present embodiment, first, the die90is temporarily mounted on a test carrier10A (step S20). Next, through this test carrier10A, the die90is electrically connected to a test system (not shown) to thereby run a test on the electronic circuit formed in the die90(step S30). Further, after this test is finished, the test carrier10A is disassembled to take out the die90from the carrier10A (step S40), then this die90is packaged by main packaging whereby the device is completed as a final product.

Below, a test carrier10A on which a die90is temporarily mounted (provisionally packaged) in the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

FIG. 2toFIG. 5are views which show a test carrier in the present embodiment,FIG. 6is a view which shows a base board assembly of that test carrier,FIG. 7is a view which shows a modification of the interconnect patterns, andFIG. 8toFIG. 13are cross-sectional views which show modifications of the test carrier in the present embodiment.

The test carrier10A in the present embodiment, as shown inFIG. 2toFIG. 4, comprises: a base board assembly20on which a die90is to be placed; and a cover board31A which is laid over this base board assembly20so as to cover the die90. This test carrier10A holds the die90by clamping the die90between the base board assembly20and the cover board31A in a state reduced in pressure from atmospheric pressure.

The base board assembly20comprises a base board21A and a seal member24. The base board21A has a base frame22and a base film23.

The base frame22is a rigid board which has a high rigidity (at least a rigidity higher than the base film23and the cover film33) and which is formed with a rectangular opening221at its center. This base frame22is, for example, composed of a polyamide imide resin, ceramic, glass, etc.

The base film23is a film which has pliability and is adhered to the entire surface of the base frame22, including the center opening221, by a binder (not shown). In this way, in the present embodiment, the base film23which has pliability has the highly rigid base frame22adhered to it, so the handling ability of the base board21A is improved.

As shown inFIG. 5, this base film23has: a base layer232on which first interconnect patterns231are formed; and a cover layer233which covers this base layer232. Both of the base layer232and cover layer233of the base film23comprise, for example, a polyimide film etc. The interconnect patterns231are, for example, formed by etching copper foil which is laminated on the base layer232.

As shown inFIG. 5andFIG. 6, one end of each of the interconnect patterns231is connected to a pad236through a through hole234of the cover layer233. This pad236is connected to an electrode91of the die90. On the other hand, the other end of each interconnect pattern231is connected to an external terminal237through a through hole235of the cover layer233. The external terminal237is contacted by a contact pin of the test system when testing the electronic circuit of the die90.

The seal member24of the base board assembly20, as shown inFIG. 2toFIG. 4, is a ring-shaped elastic member which is provided on the above-mentioned base board21A and which has electrical conductivity. This seal member24is, for example, composed of electroconductive rubber containing carbon black or metal powder or other conductors242which are added to a rubber material. Specifically, electroconductive silicone rubber may be illustrated.

This seal member24has an inside hole241of a shape corresponding to the center opening221of the base frame22. Further, as shown inFIG. 5, this seal member24is adhered on to the base film23through an adhesive member25so that the center opening221and the inside hole241are substantially aligned when viewed by a plan view. This adhesive member25has an electrical insulating ability. Specifically, for example, a two-sided tape which has adhesive layers on both surfaces of a substrate, a binder, etc. may be mentioned. Note that, it is also possible to directly adhere the seal member24on to the base film23without an adhesive member25.

As the seal member24, a paste-form or sheet-shaped gel material may also be used. As specific examples of such a gel material, for example, a gel material made principally of silicone (for example, αGEL® made by Taica Corporation) may be mentioned.

When using a paste-form gel material as the seal member24, it is sufficient to directly coat the gel material on the base film23. On the other hand, when using a sheet-shaped gel material as the seal member24, the gel material is adhered to the base film23through an adhesive member25or the gel material is directly adhered to the base film23without an adhesive member25.

On the other hand, the cover board31A of the test carrier10A also comprises a cover frame32and a cover film33.

The cover frame32is a rigid board which has a high rigidity (at least a rigidity higher than the base film23and the cover film33) and which is formed with a rectangular opening321at its center. This cover frame32is, in the same way as the base frame22, for example, composed of a polyamide imide resin, ceramic, glass, etc.

The cover film33is for example a polyimide film or other film which has pliability. It is attached over the entire surface of the cover frame32, including the center opening321, by a binder (not shown). In this way, in the present embodiment, the cover film33which has pliability has the high rigidity cover frame32adhered to it, so the handling ability of the cover board32A is improved. Incidentally, the cover film33, unlike the above-mentioned base film23, is not formed with interconnect patterns.

Note that, the above-mentioned seal member24may also be adhered through the adhesive member25to the cover film33instead of the base film23.

The above explained test carrier10A is assembled as follows.

That is, first, the electrodes91are aligned with the pads236and, in that state, the die90is placed on the base film23of the base board21A. The die90which is placed on the base film23is positioned inside of the inside hole241of the seal member24and is surrounded by the ring-shaped seal member24. Note that, base board21A has the seal member24attached to it to form the base board assembly20in advance.

Next, in an environment reduced in pressure compared with atmospheric pressure, the cover board31A is placed on the base board21A through the seal member24and the die90is inserted between the base board21A and the cover board31A. At this time, the cover board31A is placed over the base board21A so that the base film23and the cover film33directly contact each other.

Next, in the state with the die90clamped between the base board21A and the cover board31A, the test carrier10A is returned to an atmospheric pressure environment whereby the die90is held inside the accommodation space11which is formed between the base board21A and the cover board31A (seeFIG. 3).

Note that, the electrodes91of the die90and the pads236of the base film23are not fastened by solder etc. In the present embodiment, the accommodation space11is reduced in pressure compared with the outside air, so the base film23and the cover film33press against the die90whereby the electrodes91of the die90and the pads236of the base film23contact each other.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the seal member24is interposed between the base board21A and the cover board31A, the accommodation space11which is formed between the base board21A and the cover board31A can be improved in air-tightness.

Further, in the present embodiment, by giving the seal member24electrical conductivity, it is possible to suppress the generation of static electricity at the time of peeling apart the base board21A and the cover board31at the above-mentioned disassembly step (step S40ofFIG. 1) and it is possible to suppress deterioration or damage of the electronic circuit of the die90due to electrostatic discharge (ESD).

Further, in the present embodiment, even if the presence of the interconnect patterns231causes the surface of the base film23to become uneven, the adhesive member25buries the unevenness, so the air-tightness by the seal member24can be maintained.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, by adhering the seal member24to the base board21A to form the base board assembly20in advance and by handling that assembly20at the time of assembly of the test carrier10A, the work efficiency is improved.

Note that, the interconnect patterns231are not limited to the above configuration. For example, as shown inFIG. 7, part of the interconnect patterns231may be formed on the surface of the base film23by ink jet printing in real time. Alternatively, all of the interconnect patterns231may be formed by ink jet printing.

In the present embodiment, even if the seal member24which has electrical conductivity is positioned on interconnect patterns231which are exposed on the base film23, since the adhesive member25which has electrical insulating ability is interposed between the seal member24and the interconnect patterns231, the electrical insulating ability between them is secured.

Note that, the positions of the pads236and the positions of the external terminals237are not particularly limited. They may be configured as shown inFIG. 8toFIG. 13explained below or may be configured by combining these.

For example, like in the first modification which is shown inFIG. 8, it is also possible to form the pads236on the top surface of the base film23and form the external terminals237on the bottom surface of the base frame22. In this case, conduction paths238which connect the pads236and the external terminals237are formed on the base film23and the base frame22.

Further, like in the second modification which is shown inFIG. 9, it is also possible to form the pads236on the top surface of the base film23and form the external terminals237on the bottom surface of the base film23. In this case, the conduction paths238are formed on the base film23.

Further, like in the third modification which is shown inFIG. 10, it is also possible to form the pads236on the bottom surface of the cover film33and form the external terminals237on the top surface of the cover frame32. In this case, the conduction paths238are formed on the cover film33and the cover frame32. Note that, while not particularly shown, a procedure similar to that of the example which is shown inFIG. 9may be used to form the external terminals237on the top surface of the cover film33.

Further, like in the fourth modification which is shown inFIG. 11, it is also possible to form the pads236on the bottom surface of the cover film33and form the external terminals237on the bottom surface of the base frame22. In this case, the conduction paths238are formed on the cover film33, the base film23, and the base frame22.

Furthermore, when the die90has electrodes91on its top surface and bottom surface, like in the fifth modification which is shown inFIG. 12, it is also possible to form the pads236on both the base film23and cover film33and form the external terminal237on both the base frame22and cover frame32.

Further, when the die90is relatively thick, like in the sixth modification which is shown inFIG. 13, the cover board31A may be laid over the base board21A so that the base frame22and the cover frame32face each other across the seal member24.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 14andFIG. 15are views which show a test carrier in a second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 14, the test carrier10B in the present embodiment comprises a base board21A and a cover board assembly30. The cover board assembly30has a cover board31A and a seal member34.

Note that, the base board21A and cover board31A in the present embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment, so the same reference notations are assigned and explanations are omitted.

The seal member34of the cover board assembly30, as shown inFIG. 14andFIG. 15, is a ring-shaped elastic member which is attached to the cover board31A and which has electrical conductivity. This seal member34, like the seal member24which is explained in the first embodiment, for example, is composed of electroconductive rubber containing carbon black or metal powder or other conductors which are added to a rubber material. Specifically, electroconductive silicone rubber may be illustrated.

This seal member34has an inside hole341of a shape corresponding to the center opening321of the cover frame22. Further, this seal member34has an inner circumferential groove342in which the outer circumferential part of the cover board31A is inserted across the entire circumference.

Note that, in the example which is shown inFIG. 14andFIG. 15, the entire cover frame32of the cover board31A is inserted into the inner circumferential groove342of the seal member34, but the invention is not particularly limited to this. It is also possible to insert only the outer circumferential part of the cover frame32into the inner circumferential groove342.

The test carrier10B in the present embodiment is assembled in the same way as the test carrier10A in the above-mentioned first embodiment, but it differs from the first embodiment in the point that the seal member34is attached to the cover board31A in advance to form the cover board assembly30.

In the present embodiment, in the same way as the first embodiment, the seal member34is interposed between the base board21A and the cover board31A, so the accommodation space11which is formed between the base board21A and the cover board31A can be improved in air-tightness.

Further, in the present embodiment, like in the first embodiment, by giving the seal member34electrical conductivity, it is possible to suppress deterioration or damage of the electronic circuit of the die90due to ESD at the above-mentioned disassembly step (step S40ofFIG. 1).

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, by adhering the seal member34to the cover board31A to form the cover board assembly30in advance and by handling that assembly30at the time of assembly of the test carrier10B, the work efficiency is improved.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the outer circumferential part of the cover board31A is inserted into the inner circumferential groove342of the seal member34, so the adhesive member for attaching the seal member34to the cover board31A becomes unnecessary.

Note that when the die90is relatively thick, the cover board31B may be laid over the base board21A so that the base frame22and the cover frame32face each other across the seal member24.

FIG. 16is a view which shows a modification of the test carrier in the present embodiment.

Note that, as shown inFIG. 16, it is also possible to interpose an insulating film26between the base film23and the seal member34, the insulating film26has an electrical insulating ability. This insulating film26is adhered to the base film23through an adhesive member.

Due to this, even if the presence of interconnect patterns231causes the surface of the base film23to become uneven, a smooth surface can be secured by the insulating film26, so the air-tightness by the seal member34can be maintained.

Further, even if the interconnect patterns231are exposed on the base film23, the insulating film26which has an electrical insulating ability is interposed between the interconnect patterns231and the seal member34, so the electrical insulating ability between the seal member34and the interconnect patterns231is secured.

Note that, instead of the insulating film26, it is also possible to adhere one-sided tape which has an adhesive layer on only one surface of a substrate to a position of the base film23corresponding to the seal member34or to print solder resist etc. so as to secure a smooth surface. The insulating film26, one-sided tape, or solder resist in the present embodiment corresponds to one example of the flat part in the present invention.

Further, the above-mentioned seal member34may be attached to the base board21A instead of the cover board31A. In this case, to improve the adhesion of the seal member34, the insulating film26may be interposed between the cover film33and the seal member34.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 17is a view which shows a test carrier in a third embodiment of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, the configuration of the base board differs from the first embodiment, but the rest of the configuration is similar to the first embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 17, the base board21B in the present embodiment has a high rigidity (a rigidity higher than at least the cover film33), but comprises only a flat plate shaped rigid board which does not have a center opening. This base board21B is, for example, composed of a polyamide imide resin, ceramic, glass, etc. Note that, while not particularly shown, the base board21B may, for example, be configured by a single-layer or a multi-layer printed circuit board so as to enable formation of interconnect patterns231on the base board21B.

In this embodiment as well, the seal member24is interposed between the base board21B and the cover board31A, and the die90which is held between the base board21B and the cover board31A is surrounded by the ring-shaped seal member24. Note that, as explained in the first embodiment, an adhesive member may be used to adhere the seal member24to the base board21B or the cover board31A in advance.

In the present embodiment, like in the first embodiment, since the seal member24is interposed between the base board21B and the cover board31A, the accommodation space11which is formed between the base board21B and the cover board31A can be improved in air-tightness.

Further, in the present embodiment, like in the first embodiment, by giving the seal member24electrical conductivity, it is possible to suppress deterioration or damage of the electronic circuit of the die90due to ESD at the above-mentioned disassembly step (step S40ofFIG. 1).

Note that, when the die90is relatively thick, the cover board31A may be laid over the base board21B so that the base board21B and the cover frame32face each other across the seal member24.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 18is a view which shows a test carrier in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, the configuration of the cover board differs from the first embodiment, but the rest of the configuration is similar to the first embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 18, the cover board31B in the present embodiment has a high rigidity (a rigidity higher than at least the base film23), but comprises only a flat plate shaped rigid board which does not have a center opening. This cover board31B is, for example, composed of a polyamide imide resin, ceramic, glass, etc.

In this embodiment as well, the seal member24is interposed between the base board21A and the cover board31B, and the die90which is held between the base board21A and the cover board31B is surrounded by the ring-shaped seal member24. Note that, as explained in the first embodiment, an adhesive member may be used to adhere the seal member24to the base board21A or the cover board31B in advance.

In the present embodiment, like in the first embodiment, since the seal member24is interposed between the base board21A and the cover board31B, the accommodation space11which is formed between the base board21A and the cover board31B can be improved in air-tightness.

Further, in the present embodiment, like in the first embodiment, by giving the seal member24electrical conductivity, it is possible to suppress deterioration or damage of the electronic circuit of the die90due to ESD at the above-mentioned disassembly step (step S40ofFIG. 1).

Note that, when the die90is relatively thick, the cover board31B may be laid over the base board21A so that the base frame22and the cover board31B face each other across the seal member24.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 19is a view which shows a test carrier in a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, the configuration of the cover board differs from the first embodiment, but the rest of the configuration is similar to the first embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 19, the cover board31C in the present embodiment comprises only the above-mentioned cover film33.

In this embodiment as well, the seal member24is interposed between the base board21A and the cover board31C, and the die90which is held between the base board21A and the cover board31C is surrounded by the ring-shaped seal member24. Note that, as explained in the first embodiment, an adhesive member may be used to adhere the seal member24to the base board21A or the cover board31C in advance.

In the present embodiment, like in the first embodiment, since the seal member24is interposed between the base board21A and the cover board31C, the accommodation space11which is formed between the base board21A and the cover board31C can be improved in air-tightness.

Further, in the present embodiment, like in the first embodiment, by giving the seal member24electrical conductivity, it is possible to suppress deterioration or damage of the electronic circuit of the die90due to ESD at the above-mentioned disassembly step (step S40ofFIG. 1).

Note that, when the die90is relatively thick, the cover board31C may be laid over the base board21A so that the base frame22faces the cover board31C across the seal member24.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 20is a view which shows a test carrier in a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, the configuration of the base board differs from the first embodiment, but the rest of the configuration is similar to the first embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 20, the base board21C in the present embodiment comprises only the above-mentioned base film23.

In this embodiment as well, the seal member24is interposed between the base board21C and the cover board31A, and the die90which is held between the base board21C and the cover board31A is surrounded by the ring-shaped seal member24. Note that, as explained in the first embodiment, an adhesive member may be used to adhere the seal member24to the base board21C or the cover board31A in advance.

In the present embodiment, like in the first embodiment, since the seal member24is interposed between the base board21C and the cover board31A, the accommodation space11which is formed between the base board21C and the cover board31A can be improved in air-tightness.

Further, in the present embodiment, like in the first embodiment, by giving the seal member24electrical conductivity, it is possible to suppress deterioration or damage of the electronic circuit of the die90due to ESD at the above-mentioned disassembly step (step S40ofFIG. 1).

Note that, when the die90is relatively thick, the cover board31A may be laid over the base board21C so that the cover frame32faces the base board21C across the seal member24.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 21is a view which shows a test carrier in a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

The test carrier of the present embodiment comprises the base board21B which was explained in the third embodiment (seeFIG. 17) and the cover board31C which was explained in the fifth embodiment (seeFIG. 19).

In this embodiment as well, the seal member24is interposed between the base board21B and the cover board31C, and the die90which is held between the base board21B and the cover board31C is surrounded by the ring-shaped seal member24. Note that, as explained in the first embodiment, an adhesive member may be used to adhere the seal member24to the base board21B or the cover board31C in advance.

In the present embodiment, like in the first embodiment, since the seal member24is interposed between the base board21B and the cover board31C, the accommodation space11which is formed between the base board21B and the cover board31C can be improved in air-tightness.

Further, in the present embodiment, like in the first embodiment, by giving the seal member24electrical conductivity, it is possible to suppress deterioration or damage of the electronic circuit of the die90due to ESD at the above-mentioned disassembly step (step S40ofFIG. 1).

Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 22is a view which shows a test carrier in an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

The test carrier of the present embodiment comprises the base board21C which was explained in the sixth embodiment (seeFIG. 20) and the cover board31B which was explained in the fourth embodiment (seeFIG. 18).

In this embodiment as well, the seal member24is interposed between the base board21C and the cover board31B, and the die90which is held between the base board21C and the cover board31B is surrounded by the ring-shaped seal member24. Note that, as explained in the first embodiment, an adhesive member may be used to adhere the seal member24to the base board21C or the cover board31B in advance.

In the present embodiment, like in the first embodiment, since the seal member24is interposed between the base board21C and the cover board31B, the accommodation space11which is formed between the base board21C and the cover board31B can be improved in air-tightness.

Further, in the present embodiment, like in the first embodiment, by giving the seal member24electrical conductivity, it is possible to suppress deterioration or damage of the electronic circuit of the die90due to ESD at the above-mentioned disassembly step (step S40ofFIG. 1).

Ninth Embodiment

FIG. 23is a view which shows a test carrier in a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

The test carrier of the present embodiment comprises the base board21C which was explained in the sixth embodiment (seeFIG. 20) and the cover board31C which was explained in the fifth embodiment (seeFIG. 19).

In this embodiment as well, the seal member24is interposed between the base board21C and the cover board31C, and the die90which is held between the base board21C and the cover board31C is surrounded by the ring-shaped seal member24. Note that, as explained in the first embodiment, an adhesive member may be used to adhere the seal member24to the base board21C or the cover board31C in advance.

In the present embodiment, like in the first embodiment, since the seal member24is interposed between the base board21C and the cover board31C, the accommodation space11which is formed between the base board21C and the cover board31C can be improved in air-tightness.

Further, in the present embodiment, like in the first embodiment, by giving the seal member24electrical conductivity, it is possible to suppress deterioration or damage of the electronic circuit of the die90due to ESD at the above-mentioned disassembly step (step S40ofFIG. 1).

Note that the embodiments explained above were described for facilitating understanding of the present invention and were not described for limiting the present invention. Therefore, the elements disclosed in the above embodiments include all design modifications and equivalents falling under the technical scope of the present invention.

For example, in the second to ninth embodiments which are shown inFIG. 14toFIG. 23, the conduction paths such as shown inFIG. 8toFIG. 12may also be employed. Further, in the third to ninth embodiments which are shown inFIG. 17toFIG. 23, instead of the seal member24, the seal member34which is explained in the second embodiment may be employed.

Further, the relationship of the sizes of the base board and the cover board in the first to ninth embodiments is not particularly limited. The base board may be made larger than the cover board or the base board may be made smaller than the cover board. Alternatively, the base board and the cover board may be made the same sizes.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST