Flip-Chip Flux Evolution

Flip-chip assembly accounts for more than 80% of the advanced packaging technology platform, compared to fan-in, fan-out, embedded die, and through silicon via (TSV). Flip-chip interconnect remains a critical assembly process for large die used in artificial intelligence processors; thin die that warps at elevated temperatures; heterogeneous integration in SiP applications; flip-chip on leadframe; and MicroLED die usage. This paper will first outline trends in evolving flip-chip and direct chip placement (DCP) technology, then will examine the changing nature of the solder bump, the interconnect itself, and the substrate. Many variables of the flip-chip assembly process will be discussed, including standard solder bumps to micro Cu-pillar bumps with different alloys; different pad surface finishes of Cu OSP, NiAu, and solder on pad (SOP); and from regular pads on substrates to bond-on-trace applications. A major focus will be on flip-chip assembly methods, from old C4 conventional reflow processing to thermocompression bonding (TCB), and the latest laser assisted bonding (LAB) technology, with an emphasis on how the usage of different technologies necessitates different assembly materials, especially fluxes. Flip-chip fluxes such as the commonly used water-washable flux, the standard no-clean flux, and the ultra-low residue flux, and how these fluxes react to different processing methods, will be an area of discussion. Finally, the paper will examine the need for increased reliability as the technology inevitably moves into the high-volume, zero-defect arena of automotive electronics.