Patent US5141602A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5141602A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
High-productivity method and apparatus for making customized interconnections
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1991-06-18
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Granted: 1992-08-25
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Expires: 2011-06-18
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method for plating metal on a conductor and/or across gaps on insulating substrates is described incorporating two probes, a probe positioner, first circuitry for applying alternating-current electrical power wherein the magnitude of the voltage is controlled as a function of time, and second circuitry for applying alternating-current electrical power wherein the magnitude of the current is controlled as a function of time. The invention overcomes the problem of providing an automatic apparatus for reliably repairing defective wiring or completing seeded sections of wiring having a wide range of initial thermal and electrical characteristics.
Inventors
- 👤 Chengjun J. Chen
- 👤 Richard I. Kaufman
- 👤 Julian P. Partridge
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 07:48
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10W; H10W70/00; H10W70/01; H10W70/05; H10W70/092; H05; H05K; H05K3/00; H05K3/22; H05K3/225; H05K2203/00; H05K2203/10; H05K2203/107; H05K2203/11; H05K2203/1115; H05K2203/12; H05K2203/121; H05K2203/17; H05K2203/173; H05K3/10; H05K3/18; H05K3/181; H05K3/182
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 46
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
An apparatus for plating metal on a conductor in a first region having high electrical resistance positioned between second and third regions on said conductor having low electrical resistance comprising: first means for introducing an electrolyte suitable for a subsequent metal plating process over and in electrical contact with said first, second and third regions, first and second probes, second means for positioning said first and second probes in electrical contact with said second and third regions, respectively, third means for applying alternating-current electrical power during a first time period through said first and second probes to said first region wherein the magnitude of the voltage across said first and second probes is controlled according to a predetermined function of time, and fourth means for applying alternating-current electrical power during a second time period after said first time period through said first and second probes to said first region wherein the magnitude of current passing through said first and second probes is controlled according to a predetermined function of time.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
170 words
An apparatus for plating metal on a conductor in a first region having high electrical resistance positioned between second and third regions on said conductor having low electrical resistance comprising: first means for introducing an electrolyte suitable for a subsequent metal plating process over and in electrical contact with said first, second and third regions, first and second probes, second means for positioning said first and second probes in electrical contact with said second and third regions, respectively, third means for applying alternating-current electrical power during a first time period through said first and second probes to said first region wherein the magnitude of the voltage across said first and second probes is controlled according to a predetermined function of time, and fourth means for applying alternating-current electrical power during a second time period after said first time period through said first and second probes to said first region wherein the magnitude of current passing through said first and second probes is controlled according to a predetermined function of time.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said third means includes fifth means for providing the waveform of said alternating-current electrical power selected from the group consisting of a sinusoidal wave, square wave, triangular wave, sawtooth wave, and any periodic waveform with a zero average direct-current component.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said third means includes fifth means for providing the frequency of the said alternating-current electrical power in the range from 50 Hz to 500 kHz.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said third means includes fifth means for measuring the magnitude of voltage of the said alternating-current electrical power is selected from the group consisting of the averaged absolute value, the peak value, or the root-mean-square value of the instantaneous voltage of said alternating-current electrical power over at least one complete cycle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
57 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fourth means includes fifth means for measuring the magnitude of current of the said alternating-current electrical power is selected from the group consisting of the averaged absolute value, the peak value, or the root-mean-square value of the instantaneous current of said alternating-current electrical power over at least one complete cycle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further including fifth means to limit the rising rate of the magnitude of current of the said applied alternating-current electrical power below a predetermined value during said first time period.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first means includes fifth means for coating said first region with electrolyte having a thickness in the range from 1 to 10 mm.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said third means includes fifth means for increasing the magnitude of voltage of said alternating-current electrical power until the magnitude of current of said alternating-current electrical power reaches a first predetermined value.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fourth means includes fifth means for increasing the magnitude of current of said alternating-current electrical power until the magnitude of current of the said alternating-current electrical power reaches a second predetermined value.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said fourth means includes sixth means for maintaining the magnitude of current of the said alternating-current electric power at said second predetermined value over a predetermined time after first reaching said second predetermined value.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
168 words
An apparatus for repairing a partially defective conductor having an electrolyte liquid suitable for a subsequent metal plating process positioned thereover wherein said partially defective conductor includes a first region of reduced cross-section of high electrical resistance and second and third regions on either side of said first region of low electrical resistance comprising: first and second probes, first means for positioning said first and second probes in electrical contact with said second and third regions, respectively, second means for applying alternating-current electrical power during a first time period through said first and second probes to said first region wherein the magnitude of voltage across said first and second probes is controlled according to a predetermined function of time, and third means for applying alternating-current electrical power during a second time period after said first time period through said first and second probes to said first region wherein the magnitude of current passing through said first and second probes is controlled according to a predetermined function of time.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
168 words
An apparatus for repairing a partially defective conductor having an electrolyte liquid suitable for a subsequent metal plating process positioned thereover wherein said partially defective conductor includes a first region of reduced cross-section of high electrical resistance and second and third regions on either side of said first region of low electrical resistance comprising: first and second probes, first means for positioning said first and second probes in electrical contact with said second and third regions, respectively, second means for applying alternating-current electrical power during a first time period through said first and second probes to said first region wherein the magnitude of voltage across said first and second probes is controlled according to a predetermined function of time, and third means for applying alternating-current electrical power during a second time period after said first time period through said first and second probes to said first region wherein the magnitude of current passing through said first and second probes is controlled according to a predetermined function of time.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 11 further including fourth means to limit the rising rate of the magnitude of current of the applied alternating-current electrical power below a predetermined value during said first time period.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said second means includes fourth means for increasing the magnitude of voltage of said alternating-current electrical power until the magnitude of current of said alternating-current electrical power reaches a first predetermined value.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said third means includes fourth means for increasing the magnitude of current of said alternating-current electrical power until the said magnitude of current reaches a second predetermined value.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said fourth means includes fifth means for maintaining the magnitude of current of the said alternating-current electrical power over a predetermined time period at said second predetermined value after first reaching said second predetermined value.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
125 words
An apparatus for repairing circuits having conductive wiring exposed to an ambient comprising: first means for locating a conductor having a defect in said exposed conductive wiring, said defect having an increased ohmic resistance compared to non-defective conductive wiring, seconds means for immersing said defect in an electrolyte, and third means for causing alternating current to pass through said conductor and said defect causing the temperature of said defect to rise compared to said conductor at non-defective regions whereby a cathodic reaction causes a metal to be electrolytically deposited on said defect, said third means further including fourth means for controlling the magnitude of voltage across said defect of an alternating-current electrical power during the first time period according to a predetermined function of time.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
125 words
An apparatus for repairing circuits having conductive wiring exposed to an ambient comprising: first means for locating a conductor having a defect in said exposed conductive wiring, said defect having an increased ohmic resistance compared to non-defective conductive wiring, seconds means for immersing said defect in an electrolyte, and third means for causing alternating current to pass through said conductor and said defect causing the temperature of said defect to rise compared to said conductor at non-defective regions whereby a cathodic reaction causes a metal to be electrolytically deposited on said defect, said third means further including fourth means for controlling the magnitude of voltage across said defect of an alternating-current electrical power during the first time period according to a predetermined function of time.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said fourth means for causing alternating current further includes fifth means for controlling said alternating current within a range to provide a corresponding range of temperature rise.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said electrolyte includes an electroless plating solution.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said third means further includes fifth means for controlling during a second time period after said first time period wherein the magnitude of current of said alternating-current electrical power is controlled according to a predetermined function of time.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said fifth means for controlling includes sixth means for maintaining the magnitude of current of said alternating-current electrical power over a predetermined time period through said defect.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
158 words
A method for plating metal on a conductor in a first region having high electrical resistance positioned between second and third regions on said conductor having low electrical resistance comprising the steps of: introducing an electrolyte suitable for a subsequent metal plating process over and in electrical contact with said first, second and third regions, positioning first and second probes in electrical contact with said second and third regions, respectively, first applying alternating-current electrical power during a first time period through said first and second probes to said first region wherein the magnitude of the voltage across said first and second probes is controlled according to a predetermined function of time, and second applying alternating-current electrical power during a second time period after said first time period through said first and second probes to said first region wherein the magnitude of current passing through said first and second probes is controlled according to a predetermined function of time.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
158 words
A method for plating metal on a conductor in a first region having high electrical resistance positioned between second and third regions on said conductor having low electrical resistance comprising the steps of: introducing an electrolyte suitable for a subsequent metal plating process over and in electrical contact with said first, second and third regions, positioning first and second probes in electrical contact with said second and third regions, respectively, first applying alternating-current electrical power during a first time period through said first and second probes to said first region wherein the magnitude of the voltage across said first and second probes is controlled according to a predetermined function of time, and second applying alternating-current electrical power during a second time period after said first time period through said first and second probes to said first region wherein the magnitude of current passing through said first and second probes is controlled according to a predetermined function of time.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 21, wherein said step of first applying includes providing the waveform of said alternating-current electrical power from the group consisting of a sinusoidal wave, square wave, triangular wave, sawtooth wave, and any periodic waveform with a zero average direct-current component.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 21 wherein said step of first applying includes providing the frequency of the said alternating-current electrical power in the range from 50 Hz to 500 kHz.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 21 wherein said step of first applying includes the step of measuring the magnitude of voltage of the said alternating-current electrical power selected from the group consisting of the averaged absolute value, the peak value, or the root-mean-square value of the instantaneous voltage of said alternating-current electrical power over at least one complete cycle.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 21 wherein said step of second applying includes the step of measuring the magnitude of current of the said alternating-current electrical power selected from the group consisting of the averaged absolute value, the peak value, or the root-mean-square value of the instantaneous current of said alternating-current electrical power over at least one complete cycle.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 21 further including the steps of limiting the rising rate of the magnitude of current of the said applied alternating-current electrical power below a predetermined value during said first time period.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 21 wherein said step of introducing includes coating said first region with electrolyte having a thickness in the range from 1 to 10 mm.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 21 wherein said step of first applying includes increasing the magnitude of voltage of said alternating-current electrical power until the magnitude of current of said alternating-current electrical power reaches a first predetermined value.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 21 wherein said step of second applying includes increasing the magnitude of current of said alternating-current electrical power until the magnitude of current of the said alternating-current electrical power reaches a second predetermined value.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 29 wherein said step of second applying includes maintaining the magnitude of current of the said alternating-current electric power at said second predetermined value over a predetermined time after first reaching said second predetermined value.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
159 words
A method for repairing a partially defective conductor having an electrolyte liquid suitable for a subsequent metal plating process positioned thereover wherein said partially defective conductor includes a first region of reduced cross-section of high electrical resistance and second and third regions on either side of said first region of low electrical resistance comprising the steps of: positioning first and second probes in electrical contact with said second and third regions, respectively, first applying alternating-current electrical power during a first time period through said first and second probes to said first region wherein the magnitude of voltage across said first and second probes is controlled according to a predetermined function of time, and second applying alternating-current electrical power during a second time period after said first time period through said first and second probes to said first region wherein the magnitude of current passing through said first and second probes is controlled according to a predetermined function of time.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
159 words
A method for repairing a partially defective conductor having an electrolyte liquid suitable for a subsequent metal plating process positioned thereover wherein said partially defective conductor includes a first region of reduced cross-section of high electrical resistance and second and third regions on either side of said first region of low electrical resistance comprising the steps of: positioning first and second probes in electrical contact with said second and third regions, respectively, first applying alternating-current electrical power during a first time period through said first and second probes to said first region wherein the magnitude of voltage across said first and second probes is controlled according to a predetermined function of time, and second applying alternating-current electrical power during a second time period after said first time period through said first and second probes to said first region wherein the magnitude of current passing through said first and second probes is controlled according to a predetermined function of time.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 31 further including the step of limiting the rising rate of the magnitude of current of the applied alternating-current electrical power below a predetermined value during said first time period.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 31 wherein said step of first applying includes the step of increasing the magnitude of voltage of said alternating-current electrical power until the magnitude of current of said alternating-current electrical power reaches a first predetermined value.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 31 wherein said step of second applying includes the step of increasing the magnitude of current of said alternating-current electrical power until the said magnitude of current reaches a second predetermined value.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 34 wherein said step of increasing includes the step of maintaining the magnitude of current of the said alternating-current electrical power over a predetermined time period at said second predetermined value after first reaching said second predetermined value.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
113 words
A method for repairing circuits having conductive wiring exposed to an ambient comprising the steps of: locating a conductor having a defect in said exposed conductive wiring, said defect having an increased ohmic resistance compared to non-defective conductive wiring, immersing said defect in an electrolyte, and causing alternating current to pass through said conductor and said defect causing the temperature of said defect to rise compared to said conductor at non-defective regions whereby a cathodic reaction causes a metal to be electrolytically deposited on said defect, and first controlling the magnitude of voltage across said defect of an alternating-current electrical power during a first time period according to a predetermined function of time.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
113 words
A method for repairing circuits having conductive wiring exposed to an ambient comprising the steps of: locating a conductor having a defect in said exposed conductive wiring, said defect having an increased ohmic resistance compared to non-defective conductive wiring, immersing said defect in an electrolyte, and causing alternating current to pass through said conductor and said defect causing the temperature of said defect to rise compared to said conductor at non-defective regions whereby a cathodic reaction causes a metal to be electrolytically deposited on said defect, and first controlling the magnitude of voltage across said defect of an alternating-current electrical power during a first time period according to a predetermined function of time.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 36 wherein said step of controlling for includes second controlling said alternating current within a range to provide a corresponding range of temperature rise.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 36 wherein said step of immersing includes the step of selecting an electroless plating solution.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 36 wherein said step of second causing further includes the step of controlling during a second time period after said first time period wherein the magnitude of current of said alternating-current electrical power is controlled according to a predetermined function of time.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 39 wherein said step of second controlling includes the step of maintaining the magnitude of current of said alternating-current electrical power over a predetermined time period through said defect.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-08-25 | 1996-02-24 | 1996-08-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-08-25 | 2000-02-24 | 2000-08-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-08-25 | 2004-02-24 | 2004-08-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |