Experimental and modelling analysis on the performance of anisotropic conductive films as used in electronics packaging

摘要

The aim of this research is to understand the failure modes and mechanisms of adhesive materials used to flip-chip bond a silicon die onto a polyimide substrate. The bonding material investigated in this research is called Anisotropic Conductive Film (ACF). This is a promising interconnection material and has gained extensive interest in the electronics packaging industry.ududBoth the experimental and finite element analysis (FEA) methods were used in order to investigate the behaviour of the ACF materials when subjected to certain manufacturing and environmental testing conditions. The manufacturing condition investigated was a subsequent solder reflow process on an ACF flip-chip bonded device. The environmental testing condition investigated was the moisture test.ududFor the manufacturing condition, both experimental and modelling results demonstrate the impact of a subsequent reflow process on the behaviour of the ACF joint. Typical failures observed after this process were cracks at the pad/particle interface. This failure mode was more sever with a higher peak reflow temperature. This was also found using FEA where high tensile stresses were predicted in these regions. FEA modelling was also used to help identify the mechanisms leading to these failures. This is primarily due to the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) miss-match in the materials and the elastic/plastic deformation behaviour of the conductive particle. Important design variables that can minimise these failures are the Young’s Modulus and CTE of the adhesive and the height of the hump on the die.ududFor the environmental testing condition, an autoclave test at 121°C, 100%RH and pressure of 2atm was used. More than 85% of the ACF joints failed during the first 24 hours of testing. The failure mode observed was cracking along the interface between the adhesive and substrate and pad. A macro-micro modelling approach was used to help identify the mechanisms leading to these failures. It was found that most of the damage is caused by moisture diffusion and associated swelling. Important design variables that will help minimise this mode of failure are: Coefficient of Moisture Expansion (CME) and Young’s Modulus of the adhesive and the height of the bump on the die.