US20130140067A1 - Wafer or circuit board and joining structure of wafer or circuit board - Google Patents

Abstract

A wafer (or a circuit board), which is used to perform three-dimensional mounting, has protrusion20 which is provided in low melting point metal15 for electrically connecting mutually joined wafers61 and62, and which defines an interval between mutually joined wafers61 and62 without being deformed at the time when low melting point metal15 is melted. A joining structure of wafers61 and62 is manufactured by using wafers61 and62, at least one of which has protrusion20. In the manufactured joining structure of wafers61 and62, wafers61 and62 are electrically connected to each other by low melting point metal15, and protrusion20, which defines the interval between wafers61 and62 without being deformed at the time when low melting point metal15 is melted, is provided in low melting point metal15.

Description

• This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/285,222, filed on Sep. 30, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. (tbd).
• This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese patent application No. 2007-266716, filed on Oct. 12, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The present invention relates to a wafer or a circuit board, each of which is used to perform three-dimensional mounting by being joined to each other, and relates to a joining structure of the wafer or the circuit board.
• 2. Description of the Related Art
• The thinning and miniaturization of an electronic apparatus have been achieved by the miniaturization of components mounted to the electronic apparatus. Conventionally, the miniaturization technique of the components has been largely dependent upon the microfabrication technology of LSI. However, enormous installation investment is required to introduce a finer microfabrication technology of LSI, and hence the introduction of such a technique cannot satisfy the need to reduce product costs. The problem can be solved in such a way that a through-electrode perpendicularly penetrating through the surface of a wafer (silicon and a compound semiconductor) is formed, that electrodes are formed on the front and rear surfaces of the wafer, and that the electrodes of each of the wafers are connected to each other by laminating the wafers. Accordingly, a technique to change conventional planar mounting (two-dimensional mounting) into spatial mounting (three-dimensional mounting) has been developed.
• In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-204939, there is proposed, as a method for laminating the wafers, a method in which after bumps are formed on the wafers, the wafers, with an adhesive applied thereon, are stuck to each other. Further, in the patent document, there is disclosed a method in which metals on the surface, to which the adhesive is applied, are connected to each other by forcing out the adhesive from between the metals. In the patent document, tin-plated terminals, on which the adhesive is applied, are joined to each other while being pressed together. Thereby, the adhesive is forced out from between the metal joining portions, so that the metals are electrically connected to each other. However, a large force is required at the time of pressing the terminals together, and hence the method is unsuitable for minute bumps which are the object of the present invention.
• In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-308415, there is described, as a method for connecting a solder protrusion to a connection electrode on a wiring board without using flux, a method of using a solder protrusion formed by a first protrusion and a second protrusion. In the patent document, a solder protrusion having a two-stage structure formed by the first protrusion and the second protrusion is formed such that the melting temperature of the first protrusion is higher than that of the second protrusion and that the surface area of the first protrusion is two times or more larger than the surface area of the second protrusion. In the method, the connection electrode on the wiring board and the solder protrusion are made to face each other, and are heated at a temperature which is equal to or lower than the melting temperature of the first protrusion and which is equal to or higher than the melting temperature of the second protrusion, while an electronic component is pressed. Since only the second protrusion is melted at the soldering temperature, the second protrusion can be expanded between the first protrusion and the connection electrode on the wiring board by the application of a slight pressing force. Thereby, as described in the patent document, the oxide film on the surface of the second protrusion is broken to expose the intrinsic layer in the second protrusion, so that a desired joining state can be obtained.
• In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-198485, there is described thatfirst protrusion electrode15 of first LSI chip16 is a Sn-3.5 Ag solder protrusion containing 96.5% of Tin (Sn) and 3.5% of silver (Ag), and that second protrusion electrode19 is a protrusion made of nickel (Ni). Thus, second protrusion electrode19 ofsecond LSI chip20, which has a small diameter and high hardness, is made to bite intofirst protrusion electrode15 of first LSI chip16, to allow bump19 ofsecond LSI chip20 to break through the oxide film formed on the surface offirst protrusion electrode15 of first LSI chip16, so that first LSI chip16 and second LSI chip19 are joined to each other. Thereby, as described in the patent document, there is obtained an advantage in which it is possible to realize a firm joining structure and possible to realize a semiconductor mounting assembly that has excellent temporal stability at high temperature. Further, as also described in the patent document, there is an advantage in which the melting point can be made low, and thereby the processing temperature for joining respective bumps can be set to a low level. However, the role of the protrusion is limited, as described above, and does not play the role of a spacer.
• In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-59957, there is described a method of using a protrusion, as a method of manufacturing a semiconductor package structure and a semiconductor package, and this method features excellent productivity, and a capability for making thinner and more miniaturized products, and has higher performance. However, the object of the protrusion is to break through a resin layer, and the protrusion does not play the role of a spacer. Further, a low melting point metal is not formed so as to cover the protrusion. Further, in the patent document, in addition to the above described protrusion, the followings are also disclosed about joining particles. The joining particles are arranged and joined at predetermined positions on the surface of a circuit conductor. The joining of the joining particles is performed by a method of ultrasonic welding, welding, soldering, applying a conductive resin, or the like. Then, the surface on which the joining particles are arranged, and a resin layer on which a conductor metal is provided, are arranged so as to face each other. By using a hot press apparatus, the resin layer on which the conductor metal is provided is heated at a predetermined temperature so as to be softened and then heat pressed. Thereby, the joining particles are embedded into the softened resin layer. When the resin layer is further heat pressed, the joining particles, and the conductor metal which is another conductor layer, are brought into contact and joined with each other.
• In the case where conventional planar mounting (two-dimensional mounting) is changed into spatial mounting (three-dimensional mounting), it is difficult to fill an adhesive between respective layers, by the conventionally proposed method in which (1) the formation of a connection electrode, (2) lamination and connection, and (3) the filling of the adhesive between the layers, are performed in this order. In particular, when wafers that are used as an ideal form of the three-dimensional mounting are joined to each other, it is difficult to make the adhesive flow uniformly between the layers of wafers of eight inches or more.
• On the other hand, it is difficult to control the heating and pressing conditions in the method in which an adhesive is applied to the surface of a metal and in which the metals are joined with each other by forcing out the adhesive from between the metals, that is, in the method in which (1) the formation of a connection electrode, (2) the application of adhesive, and (3) lamination and joining are performed in this order. That is, when the adhesive is applied beforehand between the layers of the wafers, and when the wafers are then heated and pressed, the joining portion is deformed, so that in some cases, the low melting point material used for the joining may be brought into contact with an adjacent joining portion.
SUMMARY
• The present invention seeks to solve one or more of the above problems, or to improve upon those problems at least in part.
• In order to achieve the above object, a wafer or a circuit board is used to perform three-dimensional mounting by being joined to each other, the wafer or the circuit board including:
• • a protrusion which is provided in the low melting point metal for mutually electrically connecting the mutually joined wafers or the mutually joined circuit boards, and which defines an interval between the mutually joined wafers or between the mutually joined circuit boards without being deformed at the time when the low melting point metal is melted.
• Further, In order to achieve the above object, there is a provided a joining structure including wafers or circuit boards, which are three-dimensionally mounted by being joined to each other,
• • wherein the mutually joined wafers or the mutually joined circuit boards are electrically connected to each other via the low melting point metal, and wherein a protrusion, which defines an interval between the mutually joined wafers or between the mutually joined circuit boards without being deformed at the time when the low melting point metal is melted, is provided in the low melting point metal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The above features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
• FIGS. 1A and 1B show a three-dimensional mounting process (No.1);
• FIG. 2 is a figure showing a three-dimensional mounting process (No.2);
• FIG. 3A through 3C show a three-dimensional mounting process (No.3);
• FIGS. 4A and 4B show a three-dimensional mounting process (No.4);FIG. 5A through 5F show a method for forming a joining metal terminal (1);
• FIG. 6A through 6C show a method for forming a joining metal terminal (2);
• FIG. 7A through 7G show a method for forming a joining metal terminal (3);
• FIG. 8A through 8E show a method for forming a joining metal terminal (4);
• FIG. 9A through 9D show a joining metal terminal;
• FIG. 10 is a figure showing combinations (table) of the joining metal terminals;
• FIG. 11A through 11E show combinations (joining structures) that are used to join metal terminals together;
• FIGS. 12A and 12B show a method for manufacturing a joining structure (a) of wafers; and
• FIGS. 13A and 13B show a method for manufacturing a joining structure (b) of wafers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• The invention will be now described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many alternative embodiments can be accomplished using the teachings of the present invention and that the invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated for explanatory purposes.
• In the following, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Noted that in all the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same portions, and hence a duplicate explanation will be omitted. Further, in order to facilitate explanation, the ratio between the respective portions is changed from the actual ratio.
• Here, the invention will be described by taking three-dimensional mounting as an effective application example. In the following, exemplary embodiments of three-dimensional mounting of wafers will be described, but the same effect can also be obtained by using electronic circuit boards instead of wafers.
• FIG. 1A throughFIG. 4B show an outline of three-dimensional mounting processes.
• [FIG. 1A]
• Holes are formed by using a dry etching process forwafer1 made of silicon or a compound semiconductor, and the side wall of the hole is insulated (this process is not shown). Then,conductor2 made of a poly-silicon or a metal is filled in the hole. Here, different dimensions are used depending upon the semiconductor pre-process and a semiconductor element to be manufactured. However, in the case where DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) is assumed to be manufactured,conductor2 has a diameter of about 3 to 50 microns and a depth of about 20 to 100 microns. The interval betweenconductors2 is about 20 to 100 microns. It is preferred that aluminum be arranged onconductor2 so as to seal the conductor (not shown).
• [FIG. 1B]
• Insulatingfilm4 is formed in a region on the surface ofwafer1 in whichconductors2 are embedded, other than in the region where a terminal ofconductor2 is arranged.Wiring layer3 is formed on insulatingfilm4 by using a semiconductor pre-process. The terminal ofconductor2 is connected to wiring41 leading to a semiconductor element. Insulatingfilm4 is also formed on the surface ofwiring layer3.
• [FIG. 2]
• Joiningmetals51 are formed. The details of this process are shown inFIG. 5A through 5F andFIG. 7A through 7G. Joiningmetal51 is connected to wiring41 leading to the semiconductor element viapad42 which is formed by a semiconductor process. Further, as shown in the enlarged view, insulatingfilm4 is formed in the peripheral portion ofpad42 which is formed by the semiconductor process.
• [FIG. 3A]
• Adhesive6 is applied on joining metals51 (in the figure, a state where joiningmetals51 are mounted oninterposer8 is shown, and hence the upper and lower sides of joiningmetals51 are shown in reversed position). Joiningmetals52 are formed oninterposer8. Here, joiningmetals52, which are formed oninterposer8, can also be formed on a wafer in which other elements are formed, by the same process. Further, in the process here, the formation of joiningmetals52 is started from the portion oninterposer8, but can also be started from the portion on another wafer (that is, from a portion configured only by a wafer in which elements are formed, without using the interposer).
• After being aligned, the joining portions are brought into contact with each other and heated at the same temperature or a temperature that is higher than the melting point of joiningmetal51. At this time, adhesive6 between joiningmetal51 and joiningmetal52 is forced out, so that joiningmetal51 and joiningmetal52 are connected to each other. Further, at this time, in the case where a thermosetting adhesive is used, the adhesive can be cured simultaneously with the time when joiningmetal51 and joiningmetal52 are connected to each other.
• [FIG. 3B]
• The surface opposite to the surface on the side ofwiring layer3 ofwafer1 in which semiconductor elements are formed, is polished to expose the terminal ofconductor2. Then, joiningmetals52′ are formed by the same process as that shown inFIG. 3A.
• [FIG. 3C]
• Anotherwafer1′ is produced by the process shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B andFIG. 2 (the upper side and the lower side of the wafer are shown in reversed position in the figure), and adhesive6′ is applied on joiningmetal51′ ofwafer1′. After being aligned, the joining portions are brought into contact with each other and heated at the same temperature or a temperature that is higher than the melting point of joiningmetal51′. At this time, adhesive6′ between joiningmetal51′ and joiningmetal52′ is forced out, so that joiningmetal51′ and joiningmetal52′ are connected to each other. Further, at this time, in the case where a thermosetting adhesive is used, the adhesive can be cured simultaneously with the time when joiningmetal51′ and joiningmetal52′ are connected to each other.
• [FIG. 4A]
• The surface opposite to the surface on the side ofwiring layer3′ ofwafer1′ in whichwiring layer3′ is formed, is polished to expose the terminal of the conductor. Then, joiningmetals52″ are formed by the same process as that shown inFIG. 3A.
• The above described processes are repeated, so that a wafer structure configured by laminating and connecting arbitrary number of sheets of wafers is manufactured.
• [FIG. 4B]
• FIG. 4B is an overall view of a laminated semiconductor device according to the present exemplary embodiment.Laminated semiconductor elements9 andchip10 which controlssemiconductor elements9 are mounted oninterposer8. Here,control chip10 is arranged onlaminated semiconductor elements9, but may be arranged at any place. For example,control chip10 can also be arranged oninterposer8 or underinterposer8. Further, bumps11 used for connection with an external circuit are formed underinterposer8.
• FIG. 5A through 5F andFIG. 7A through 7G respectively show forming methods of joining together metal terminals of the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention. Further,FIG. 6A through 6C andFIG. 8A through 8E respectively show manufacturing methods of joining together metal terminals which are connected to the joining metal terminals of the present exemplary embodiments formed by the methods shown inFIG. 5A through 5F andFIG. 7A through 7G.
• FIG. 5A through 5F show a method of forming joining metal terminal (1) ofexemplary embodiment 1 according to the present invention. A protrusion which plays the role of a spacer is formed in the joining metal terminal of the present exemplary embodiment.
• [FIG. 5A]
• Power feeding film12 for electroplating, which is made of multilayer films made of titanium13 (50 nanometer)/copper14 (0.5 micrometer), is formed onwafer1. The function of titanium here is to mutually join copper and a base board, which are located on the upper and lower sides of titanium, in a desired state (the base board is shown aswafer1 in the figure, but in an actual semiconductor element, is SiO₂, SiN or polyimide, formed on the surface of the wafer). Thus, the film thickness of titanium may be the minimum film thickness required to ensure that copper and the base board remain joined together. The required film thickness is changed due to conditions of sputter etching and spattering, the film quality of titanium, and the like. Note that a chromium film can also be used instead of the titanium film used in the present exemplary embodiment.
• On the other hand, the film thickness of copper is preferably set to the minimum film thickness set to a minimum film thickness which prevent an increase in the film thickness distribution at the time when electroplating is performed in the subsequent process. The film thickness at which the film thickness distribution is prevented from being induced, is determined in consideration of an amount of the film corroded in pickling, and the like, performed as a pretreatment of the plating, and the like. When the film thickness of copper is made thicker than needed, and, for example, when the film thickness exceeds 1 micrometer, the sputtering time is increased, so as to lower the production efficiency. Further, in addition to this problem, etching needs to be performed for a long time at the time whenpower feeding film12 is removed by etching in the subsequent process. As a result, the side etching ofcopper14 under the nickel is increased.
• [FIG. 5B]
• A pattern of a protrusion is formed at the position where the metal terminal is joined together by using resist7.
• [FIG. 5C]
• Protrusion20 is formed by using electroplating. As a material of electroplating, it is possible to use gold, silver, copper, nickel, and the like, but copper, on the surface of which a plating film is easily formed in the subsequent process, is used.
• [FIG. 5D]
• The resist formed inFIG. 5B is peeled one time. Then, the resist is again applied and patterned, so that a pattern of the joining metal terminal is formed. Any peeling agent can be used here, as long as the agent dissolves the resist and does not remarkably dissolve the formed member.
• [FIG. 5E]
• Nickel21 is formed in the pattern formed inFIG. 5D by using electro-nickel plating. Here, pure nickel is used, but a material in which a trace of silver and copper is mixed into nickel, may also be used in order to improve wettability with a low melting point material. Further, copper can also be used as a material forming the joining metal terminal, but nickel is preferably used for securing the reliability.
• [FIG. 5F]
• The resist formed inFIG. 5D is peeled. Any peeling agent can be used here, as long as the agent dissolves the resist and does not remarkably dissolve the formed member. Subsequently,power feeding film12 formed inFIG. 5A is removed by etching. Etching solutions, such as a ferric chloride etching solution and an alkali based etching solution, can be used for etchingcopper14, but in the present exemplary embodiment, an alkali based etching solution containing ammonia is used. In the etching here, when the time period during which the etching is performed is shorter than ten seconds, the etching is disadvantageous from a practical viewpoint because of the difficulty in controlling the etching. However, in the case where the time period of etching is excessively long, for example, when the time period of etching exceeds five minutes, there are also caused problems in which the side etching is increased and in which the tact time is increased. Therefore, it is preferred that the etching solution and the etching conditions are suitably determined by experiment. An etching solution using hydrogen peroxide as a main component is used for the subsequently performed etching of the portion oftitanium13 of the power feeding film. In any of the etching processes, any etching solution can be used, as long as the solution does not remarkably dissolve the formed member. Further, when chromium is used forpower feeding film12, a mixed solution of potassium permanganate and sodium metasilicate is used.
• FIG. 6A through 6C show a method of forming joining metal terminal (2) connected to the joining metal terminal of the exemplary embodiment according to the present invention.
• [FIG. 6A]
• Power feeding film12 for electroplating, which is made of multilayer films made of titanium13 (50 nanometer)/copper14 (0.5 micrometer), is formed onwafer1. The function of titanium here is to mutually join copper and a base board, which are located on the upper and lower sides of titanium, in a desired state (the base board is shown aswafer1 in the figure, but in an actual semiconductor element, is SiO₂, SiN or polyimide, formed on the surface of the wafer). Thus, the film thickness of titanium may be the minimum film thickness required to ensure that copper and the base board remain joined together. The required film thickness is changed due to conditions of sputter etching and spattering, the film quality of titanium, and the like. Note that chromium film can also be used instead of the titanium film used in the present exemplary embodiment.
• On the other hand, the film thickness of copper is preferably set to a minimum film thickness which prevent an increase in the film thickness distribution at the time when electroplating is performed in the subsequent process. The film thickness at which the film thickness distribution is prevented from being induced, is determined in consideration of an amount of the film corroded in pickling, and the like, performed as a pretreatment of the plating, and the like. When the film thickness of copper is made thicker than needed, and, for example, when the film thickness exceeds 1 micrometer, the sputtering time is increased, which lowers production efficiency. Further, in addition to this problem, etching needs to be performed for a long time at the time whenpower feeding film12 is removed by etching in the subsequent process. As a result, side etching ofcopper14 under the nickel is increased.
• [FIG. 6B]
• A pattern of a joining metal is formed by using resist7, and the joining metal is formed by using electroplating. Here, copper can also be used, butnickel21 is preferably used for securing reliability. Further, a material in which a trace of silver and copper is mixed into nickel, may also be used in order to improve wettability with a low melting point material.
• [FIG. 6C]
• The resist formed inFIG. 6B is peeled. Any peeling agent can be used here, as long as the agent dissolves the resist and does not remarkably dissolve the formed member. Subsequently,power feeding film12 formed inFIG. 6A is removed by etching. Etching solutions, such as a ferric chloride etching solution and an alkali based etching solution, can be used for etchingcopper14, but in the present exemplary embodiment, an alkali based etching solution containing ammonia is used. In the etching here, when the time period during which the etching is performed is shorter than ten seconds, the etching is disadvantageous from a practical viewpoint because of the difficulty in controlling the etching. However, in the case where the time period of etching is excessively long, for example, when the time period of etching exceeds five minutes, there are also caused problems in which the side etching is increased and in which the tact time is increased. Therefore, it is preferred that the etching solution and the etching condition be suitably determined by experiment. An etching solution using hydrogen peroxide as a main component is used for the subsequently performed etching of the portion oftitanium13 of the power feeding film. In any of the etching processes, any etching solution can be used, as long as the solution does not remarkably dissolve the formed member. Further, when chromium is used forpower feeding film12, a mixed solution of potassium permanganate and sodium metasilicate is used.
• FIG. 7A through 7G show a method of forming joining metal terminal (3) ofexemplary embodiment 2 according to the present invention. In the present exemplary embodiment, there are formed a protrusion which plays the role of a spacer, and a low melting point metal (tin in the exemplary embodiment) for electrically connecting wafers to each other.
• [FIG. 7A]
• Power feeding film12 for electroplating, which is made of multilayer films made of titanium13 (50 nanometer)/copper14 (0.5 micrometer), is formed onwafer1. The function of titanium here is to mutually join copper and a base board, which are located on the upper and lower sides of titanium, in a desired state (the base board is shown aswafer1 in the figure, but in an actual semiconductor element, is SiO₂, SiN or polyimide, formed on the surface of the wafer). Thus, the film thickness of titanium may be the minimum film thickness required to ensure that copper and the base board remain joined together. The required film thickness is changed due to conditions of sputter etching and spattering, the film quality of titanium, and the like. Note that a chromium film can also be used instead of the titanium film used in the present exemplary embodiment.
• On the other hand, the film thickness of copper is preferably set to a minimum film thickness which prevent an increase in the film thickness distribution at the time when electroplating is performed in the subsequent process. The film thickness at which the film thickness distribution is prevented from being induced, is determined in consideration of an amount of the film corroded in pickling, and the like, performed as a pretreatment of the plating, and the like. When the film thickness of copper is made thicker than needed, and, for example, when the film thickness exceeds 1 micrometer, the sputtering time is increased, which lowers the production efficiency. Further, in addition to this problem, etching needs to be performed for a long time at the time whenpower feeding film12 is removed by etching in the subsequent process. As a result, the side etching ofcopper14 under nickel is increased.
• [FIG. 7B]
• A pattern of a protrusion is formed at the position of the joining metal terminal by using resist7.
• [FIG. 7C]
• Protrusion20 is formed by using electroplating. As a material of electroplating, it is possible to use gold, silver, copper, nickel, and the like, but copper, on the surface of which a plating film is easily formed in the subsequent process, is used.
• [FIG. 7D]
• The resist formed inFIG. 7B is peeled one time. Then, the resist is again applied and patterned, so that a pattern of the joining metal terminal is formed. Any peeling agent can be used here, as long as the agent dissolves the resist and does not remarkably dissolve the formed member.
• [FIG. 7E]
• Nickel21 is formed in the pattern formed inFIG. 7D by using electro-nickel plating. Here, pure nickel is used, but a material in which a trace of silver and copper is mixed into nickel, may also be used in order to improve wettability with a low melting point material. Further, copper can also be used as a material for forming the joining metal terminal, butnickel21 is preferably used for securing reliability. Further,tin15 is formed onnickel21 by using electroplating. Here, pure tin is used, but any material such as a tin silver plated material and a tin silver copper plated material can be used, as long as tin is used as a main component in the material.
• [FIG. 7F]
• The resist formed inFIG. 7D is peeled. Any peeling agent can be used here, as long as the agent dissolves the resist and does not remarkably dissolve the formed member. Subsequently,power feeding film12 formed inFIG. 7A is removed by etching. Etching solutions, such as a ferric chloride etching solution and an alkali based etching solution, can be used for etchingcopper14, but in the present exemplary embodiment, an alkali based etching solution containing ammonia is used. In the etching here, when the time period during which the etching is performed is shorter than ten seconds, etching is disadvantageous from a practical viewpoint because of the difficulty in controlling the etching. However, in the case where the time period of etching is excessively long, for example, when the time period of etching exceeds five minutes, there are also caused problems in which the side etching is increased and in which the tact time is increased. Therefore, it is preferred that the etching solution and the etching condition be suitably determined by experiment. An etching solution using hydrogen peroxide as a main component is used for the subsequently performed etching of the portion oftitanium13 of the power feeding film. In any of the etching processes, any etching solution can be used, as long as the solution does not remarkably dissolve the formed member. Further, when chromium is used forpower feeding film12, a mixed solution of potassium permanganate and sodium metasilicate is used.
• [FIG. 7G]
• Tin is heated to its melting point temperature or higher, so as to be formed into a spherical shape.
• FIG. 8A through 8E show a method of forming joining metal terminal (4) connected to the joining metal terminal of the exemplary embodiment according to the present invention.
• [FIG. 8A]
• Power feeding film12 for electroplating, which is made of multilayer films made of titanium13 (50 nanometer)/copper14 (0.5 micrometer), is formed onwafer1. The function of titanium here is to mutually join copper and a base board, which are located on the upper and lower sides of titanium, in a desired state (the base board is shown aswafer1 in the figure, but in an actual semiconductor element, is SiO₂, SiN or polyimide). Thus, the film thickness of titanium may be the minimum film thickness required to ensure that copper and the base board remain joined together. The required film thickness is changed due to conditions of sputter etching and spattering, the film quality of titanium, and the like. Note that a chromium film can also be used instead of the titanium film used in the present exemplary embodiment.
• On the other hand, the film thickness of copper is preferably set to a minimum film thickness which prevent an increase in the film thickness distribution at the time when electroplating is performed in the subsequent process. The film thickness at which the film thickness distribution is prevented from being induced, is determined in consideration of an amount of the film corroded in pickling, and the like, performed as a pretreatment of the plating, and the like. When the film thickness of copper is made thicker than needed, and, for example, when the film thickness exceeds 1 micrometer, the sputtering time is increased, so as to lower the production efficiency. Further, in addition to this problem, etching needs to be performed for a long time at the time whenpower feeding film12 is removed by etching in the subsequent process. As a result, side etching ofcopper14 under the nickel is increased.
• [FIG. 8B]
• A pattern of a joining metal is formed by using resist7, and the joining metal is formed by using electroplating. Here, pure nickel is used, but a material in which a trace of silver and copper is mixed into nickel, may also be used in order to improve wettability with a low melting point material. Further, copper can also be used as a material for forming the joining metal terminal, butnickel21 is preferably used for securing the reliability.
• [FIG. 8C]
• Further,tin15 is formed onnickel21 by using electroplating. Here, pure tin is used, but any material such as a tin silver plated material and a tin silver copper plated material can be used, as long as tin is used as a main component in the material.
• [FIG. 8D]
• The resist formed inFIG. 8B is peeled. Any peeling agent can be used here, as long as the agent dissolves the resist and does not remarkably dissolve the formed member. Subsequently,power feeding film12 formed inFIG. 8A is removed by etching. Etching solutions, such as a ferric chloride etching solution and an alkali based etching solution, can be used for etchingcopper14, but in the present exemplary embodiment, an alkali based etching solution containing ammonia is used. In the etching here, when the time period during which the etching is performed is shorter than ten seconds, the etching is disadvantageous from a practical viewpoint because of the difficulty in controlling the etching. However, in the case where the time period of etching is excessively long, for example, when the time period of etching exceeds five minutes, there are also caused problems in which the side etching is increased and in which the tact time is increased. Therefore, it is preferred that the etching solution and the etching condition be suitably determined by experiment. An etching solution using hydrogen peroxide as a main component is used for the subsequently performed etching of the portion oftitanium13 of the power feeding film. In any of the etching processes, any etching solution can be used here, as long as the solution does not remarkably dissolve the formed member. Further, when chromium is used forpower feeding film12, a mixed solution of potassium permanganate and sodium metasilicate is used.
• [FIG. 8E]
• Tin is heated to its melting point temperature or to a higher temperature so as to be formed into a spherical shape.
• FIG. 9A through 9D show configurations of the joining metal terminals formed as shown inFIG. 5A toFIG. 8E. Joining metal terminal (1) shown inFIG. 9A is the joining metal terminal ofexemplary embodiment 1 according to the present invention. Joining metal terminal (3) shown inFIG. 9C is the joining metal terminal ofexemplary embodiment 2 according to the present invention. Joining metal terminal (2) shown inFIG. 9B is the joining metal terminal to be joined to joining metal terminal (1) shown inFIG. 9A. Joining metal terminal (4) shown inFIG. 9D is the joining metal terminal to be joined to joining metal terminal (3) shown inFIG. 9C.
• InFIG. 9A through 9D,reference numeral1 denotes a wafer.Reference numeral13 denotes titanium, andreference numeral14 denotes copper.Titanium13 andcopper14 are the power feeding films for electroplating.Reference numeral20 denotes a protrusion.Protrusion20 is formed in a low melting point metal (tin in the exemplary embodiment) which electrically connects wafers to each other at the time when the wafers are joined to each other.Protrusion20 is not deformed at the time when the low melting point metal is melted, so as to define an interval between the wafers. In the exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, copper is used as the material ofprotrusion20, but a metal, such as gold, silver and nickel may also be used.Reference numeral21 denotes a metal used as a barrier for the low melting point metal, and nickel is used in the exemplary embodiment according to the present invention. Instead of nickel, an alloy containing 90% or more of nickel, in which a trace of silver and copper is mixed, may also be used in order to improve wettability with the low melting point metal. It is possible to prevent diffusion of the low melting point metal bynickel21.Reference numeral15 denotes the low melting point metal which is provided for electrically connecting the wafers to each other and which melts at a temperature of 400° C. or lower. Tin is used in the exemplary embodiment according to the present invention. In addition to pure tin, an alloy containing 90% or more of tin, such as tin silver and tin silver copper, may also be used.
• As for the size of the joining metal terminal shown inFIG. 9A toFIG. 9D, the diameter is 3 to 250 μm and the height is 3 to 250 μm. Preferably, the diameter is 3 to 50 μm and the height is 3 to 50 μm.
• FIG. 10 shows a table representing combinations at the time when these joining metal terminals are used so that they can be joined to each other. Here, the combination indicated by the mark “NO GOOD” is a combination in which the terminals cannot be joined to each other because the low melting point metal (tin or tin alloy) is not formed in each of the terminals. The combination indicated by the mark “DUPLICATED” is a duplicated combination. The combination indicated by the mark “GENERAL” is a combination generally used for the joining of metals to each other. The combination indicated by the mark “GOOD” is a combination of the joining metal terminals that are joined to each other and which feature the exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, and in at least one of which the protrusion is formed. Further, reference characters (a) to (f) shown in the table correspond to the joining structures as will be described with reference toFIG. 11A through 11E.
• FIG. 11A through 11E show the joining structures. In the figure, only the portions of copper, tin and nickel are shown, and detailed portions of the conductor, and the like, in the wafer are not shown. Further, although not shown, an underfill material (adhesive) is filled between the wafer layers.
• FIG. 11A shows a joining structure (a) in which joining metal terminal (1) having the protrusion is joined with joining metal terminal (3) having the protrusion and the low melting point metal. The wafers are electrically connected to each other by the low melting point metal of joining metal terminal (3). The interval between the wafers is defined by the protrusion of joining metal terminal (1) and the protrusion of joining metal terminal (3).
• FIG. 11B shows a joining structure (b) in which joining metal terminal (2) is joined with joining metal terminal (3) having the protrusion and the low melting point metal. The wafers are electrically connected to each other by the low melting point metal of joining metal terminal (3). The interval between the wafers is defined by the protrusion of joining metal terminal (3).
• FIG. 11C shows joining structure (c) in which joining metal terminals (3) having the protrusion and the low melting point metal are joined with each other. The wafers are electrically connected to each other by the low melting point metal of both joining metal terminals (3). The interval between the wafers is defined by the protrusion of both joining metal terminals (3).
• FIG. 11D shows joining structure (d) in which joining metal terminal (1) having the protrusion is joined with joining metal terminal (4) having the low melting point metal. The wafers are electrically connected to each other by the low melting point metal of joining metal terminal (4). The interval between the wafers is defined by the protrusion of joining metal terminal (1).
• FIG. 11E shows joining structure (e) in which joining metal terminal (3) having the protrusion and the low melting point metal is joined with joining metal terminal (4) having the low melting point metal. The wafers are electrically connected to each other by the low melting point metal of joining metal terminal (3) and the low melting point metal of joining metal terminal (4). The interval between the wafers is defined by the protrusion of joining metal terminal (3).
• FIGS. 12A and 12B show a manufacturing method of the joining structure (a) of the wafers in the case where the combination of the joining metal terminals shown inFIG. 11A is used.FIG. 12A shows a state just before the wafers are joined.FIG. 12B shows the joining structure (a) after the wafers are joined to each other.Reference numerals61 and62 denote two wafers to be joined.Reference numeral71 denotes joining metal terminal (3) ofexemplary embodiment 2 according to the present invention.Reference numeral72 denotes joining metal terminal (1) ofexemplary embodiment 1 according to the present invention.Reference numeral60 denotes an adhesive.
• As shown inFIG. 12A, joining metal terminal (3)71 is formed onwafer61, and joining metal terminal (1)72 is formed onwafer62. Joining metal terminal (3)71 formed onwafer61 hasprotrusion20 and lowmelting point metal15. Joining metal terminal (1)72 formed onwafer62 hasprotrusion20. That is,FIGS. 12A and 12B show the case where the joining metal terminal of each of the wafers has the protrusion.Adhesive60 is applied to the surface ofwafer62, which faceswafer61. Note that adhesive60 may also be applied onwafer61.
• As shown inFIG. 12B, after being aligned to each other, the wafers are brought into contact and joined with each other by being heated to the temperature of the melting point of low melting point metal15 (tin in the exemplary embodiment) of joining metal terminal (3)71 or to a higher temperature. At this time, adhesive60 between joining metal terminal (3)71 and joining metal terminal (1)72 is pressed away, so that joining metal terminal (3)71 and joining metal terminal (1)72 are electrically connect to each other by lowmelting point metal15. Note that in the present exemplary embodiment,protrusion20 is made of copper, and henceprotrusion20 also contributes to the electrical connection. At this time, when a thermosetting adhesive is used, adhesive60 can be cured simultaneously with the connection. In this way, the joining structure of the wafer in whichprotrusion20 is formed in lowmelting point metal15, is produced.
• The interval between the wafers is defined byprotrusion20 of joining metal terminal (3)71 andprotrusion20 of joining metal terminal (1)72. Sinceprotrusions20 are provided, the wafers can be joined to each other without adhesive60 applied on the joining metal terminals being held between the joining metal terminals. Thereby, the electrical connection can be obtained between the electrode portions. Sinceprotrusions20 are not deformed at this time, it is possible to fix the interval between the wafers.
• In the case of the conventional joining metal terminal without the protrusion, when the wafers are heated and joined to each other, problems are caused in which the low melting point metal is deformed and thereby an appropriate interval between the wafers cannot be maintained, and in which the adhesive is held between the joining metal terminals and thereby the electrical connection cannot be obtained. Such problems are caused in particular when the size of the joining metal terminal is small.
• On the other hand, the joining metal terminal of the exemplary embodiment according to the present invention hasprotrusion20, and hence the interval between the wafers is defined byprotrusion20. Further, even when lowmelting point metal15 is melted,protrusion20 in lowmelting point metal15 is not deformed. Thus, it is possible to obtain the electrical connection without adhesive60 being held between joining metal terminals. Sinceprotrusion20 is not deformed, the wafers can be pressed together by a strong force when being joined to each other, and also the pressing force need not be adjusted. Further, the pressing force is concentrated onprotrusion20 when the wafers are pressed together, and adhesive60 can be effectively forced out from between the wafers.
• Note that inFIGS. 12A and 12B, the portion of the joining interface between two wafers is enlarged and emphasized, and the configuration in the wafer and the configuration on the surface of the opposite side of the wafer are not shown. Further, inFIGS. 12A and 12B, three joining metal terminals are provided for each wafer, but many joining metal terminals are actually provided for each wafer. Joining metal terminal (3)71 and joining metal terminal (1)72 shown inFIGS. 12A and 12B respectively correspond to joiningmetal51′ and joiningmetal52′ shown inFIG. 3C.
• FIGS. 13A and 13B show a method of manufacturing the joining structure (b) of the wafers in the case where a combination of the joining metal terminals shown inFIG. 11B is used.FIG. 13A shows a state just before the wafers are joined.FIG. 13B shows a state after the wafers are joined to each other.Reference numerals61 and62 denote two wafers to be joined.Reference numeral71 denotes joining metal terminal (3) ofexemplary embodiment 2 according to the present invention.Reference numeral73 denotes joining metal terminal (2).Reference numeral60 denotes an adhesive.
• FIGS. 13A and 13B are different fromFIGS. 12A and 12B only in that joining metal terminal (2)73 is provided onwafer62 instead of joining metal terminal (1)72 inFIGS. 12A and 12B. That is, inFIGS. 13A and 13B, among the two wafers to be joined to each other, only joining metal terminal of onewafer61 hasprotrusion20. Therefore, the description ofFIGS. 13A and 13B is the same as the description ofFIGS. 12A and 12B except that the interval between the wafers is defined only byprotrusion20 of joining metal terminal (3)71.
• Further, the method of manufacturing the joining structure of wafers in the case where a combination of joining metal terminals shown inFIG. 11C toFIG. 11E is used, is the same as the manufacturing method as described with reference toFIGS. 12A and 12B andFIGS. 13A and 13B.
• Note that the wafer described in this specification is not limited only to a circular wafer, but may be a wafer formed by cutting the circular wafer into an arbitrary shape (for example, a quadrangular shape).
• Further, in the above, a wafer and a joining structure of the wafers are described, but the same description can be applied to a circuit board and a joining structure of the circuit boards.
• It is apparent that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but may be modified and changed without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims (22)

What is claimed is:

1. A device, comprising:

a first substrate;

a first conductor penetrating the first substrate;

a first conductive film disposed on a first surface of the first substrate and electrically connected to the first conductor;

a first protrusion disposed on the first conductive film; and

a low-melting point metal disposed over the first conductive film,

wherein the first protrusion has a melting point higher than a melting point of the low-melting point metal.

2. The device according toclaim 1, further comprising a first metal, wherein

the first metal covers an upper surface and a side surface of the first protrusion and a part of the first conductive film,

the first metal has a first top surface and a second top surface, and

the first top surface is higher than the second top surface from the first conductive film.

3. The device according toclaim 2, wherein the first metal has a melting point higher than the melting point of the low—melting point metal.

4. The device according toclaim 1, further comprising a second conductive film disposed on a second surface of the first substrate, the second surface being opposite to the first surface, and the second conductive film being electrically connected to the first conductor.

5. The device according toclaim 1, wherein the first conductor comprises at least one of a poly-silicon and a metal.

6. The device according toclaim 1, wherein a diameter of the first conductor is substantially equal or smaller than 50 μm and a depth of the first conductor is substantially equal or smaller than 100 μm.

7. The device according toclaim 1, wherein the first conductive film comprises titanium and copper.

8. The device according toclaim 4, further comprising a second metal on the second conductive film.

9. The device according toclaim 8, further comprising a first insulation film disposed on the second surface of the first substrate, a part of the first insulation film being covered with the second metal.

10. The device according toclaim 1, further comprising a second substrate, and a second conductive film disposed on a first surface of the second substrate,

wherein the first and second conductive films are electrically connected and the low melting point metal is disposed between the first and second conductive films.

11. The device according toclaim 10, further comprising a second conductor penetrating the second substrate and electrically connected to the second conductive film.

12. The device according toclaim 10, further comprising:

a first metal covering an upper surface and a side surface of the first protrusion and a part of the first conductive film; and

a second metal on the second conductive film,

wherein the first and the second metals are electrically connected, the first and the second metals are disposed between the first and second conductive films, and the low-melting point metal is disposed between the first metal and the second metal.

13. The device according toclaim 11, further comprising:

a third conductive film disposed on a second surface of the first substrate, the second surface being opposite to the first surface of the first substrate, and the third conductive film being electrically connected to the first conductor; and

a fourth conductive film disposed on a second surface of the second substrate, the second surface of the second substrate being opposite to the first surface of the second substrate, and the fourth conductive film being electrically connected to the second conductor.

14. The device according toclaim 13, further comprising a fourth metal on the fourth conductive film.

15. The device according toclaim 12, wherein the first metal has a melting point higher than the melting point of the low-melting point metal and the second metal has a melting point higher than the melting point of the low-melting point metal.

16. The device according toclaim 11, wherein an each diameter of the first and the second conductors is substantially equal or smaller than 50 μm, and a depth of each of the first and the second conductors is substantially equal or smaller than 100 μm.

17. The device according toclaim 1, further comprising:

a second substrate;

a second conductor penetrating the second substrate;

a second conductive film disposed on a first surface of the second substrate and electrically connected to the second conductor; and a second protrusion disposed on the second conductive film,

wherein the first and second conductive films are electrically connected and the low-melting point metal is disposed between the first and second conductive films, the low-melting point metal is disposed over the second conductive film, and the second protrusion has a melting point higher than the melting point of the low-melting metal.

18. The device according toclaim 17, further comprising:

a first metal covering an upper surface and a side surface of the first protrusion and a part of the first conductive film; and

a second metal covering an upper surface and a side surface of the second protrusion and part of the second conductive film,

wherein the first and the second metals are electrically connected and are disposed between the first and second conductive films, a part of the first metal and a part of the second metal are disposed between the first and second protrusions, and the low-melting point metal is disposed between the first and the second metals.

19. The device according toclaim 18, wherein

the first metal has a first top surface and a second top surface, the first top surface being higher than the second top surface from the first conductive film, and

the second metal has a third top surface and a fourth top surface, the third top surface being higher than the fourth top surface from the second conductive film.

20. The device according toclaim 17, further comprising:

a third conductive film disposed on a second surface of the first substrate, the second surface of the first substrate being opposite to the first surface of the first substrate, and the third conductive film being electrically connected to the first conductor; and

a fourth conductive film disposed on a second surface of the second substrate, the second surface of the second substrate being opposite of the first surface of the second substrate, and the fourth conductive film being electrically connected to the second conductor.

21. The device according toclaim 20, further comprising a fourth metal on the fourth conductive film.

22. The device according toclaim 18, wherein the second metal has a melting point higher than the melting point of the low-melting point metal.

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