Improved Eutectic Die Attach with a Pulse Heat Stage…Some Like it Hot!

With the successful deployment of the Pulse Heat Stage (PHS) system from Palomar Technologies, our field sales and engineering teams often hear the question: “What’s the difference between the CAMAX heated stage system and the Palomar Technologies Pulse Heat Stage?” I’ve met with Palomar Technologies Senior Scientist, Dan Evans, to bring you an overview and an eBook comparing the two systems.

Palomar Technologies has equipped the 3500 Die Bonder with various heat stages from CAMAX to maintain a controlled and accurately heated process for eutectic die attach. The CAMAX heat stage is a typical manual setup system for eutectic die attach. Although the CAMAX tool continues to meet the needs of customers for heated die attach applications, several aspects of the CAMAX system had room for improvement. In response, Palomar Technologies engineers have designed an improved and more customizable heated stage process—the Palomar Technologies Pulse Heat Stage (PHS).

Five crucial advancements separate the Palomar Technologies PHS from the CAMAX system:

1. Controller
2. Data storage
3. Heater stage size
4. Programmable cover lid
5. Technical and mechanical support

Controller
The Palomar Technologies PHS is a highly accurate and computer-controlled solution, unlike the manually settable dials on the CAMAX system. The PHS software enables users to have a tightly regulated and software-programed ramp up/ramp down with multiple peak points through a sophisticated control algorithm, resulting in more complex heat profiles. The computer-generated display provides both real-time monitoring and a retroactive look at the heat up and cool down process. Having programmable software also eliminates the need for extra attention from operators, as once the desired temperature peaks and lows are set, the PHS follows the direction from the inputted computer settings.  

Data Storage
Data storage for traceability has become a forefront need for many medical and military organizations using eutectic die attach. Since the CAMAX system is manually regulated and has no computer communication, actual performance data cannot be stored. The Palomar Technologies PHS offers a complete data storage repository to meet process parameters for organizations with strict reporting needs.  

Heater Stage Size
Unlike the single stage size available in the CAMAX system, the Palomar Technologies PHS offers two stage sizes. Adding a second—and smaller—stage size offers the flexibility to cut the amount of time needed for the eutectic die bonding process. Simply put, a smaller stage reduces the thermal mass, resulting in quicker temperature ramp up and cooling of the stage and its respective heated parts. The redesigned PHS enables a leveling capability, equipped with highly accurate micrometer dials.

Palomar Technoloiges Pulse Heat Stage (PHS) 

Programmable Cover Lid
In eutectic die process, maintaining a controlled gas environment is key. Cover gases, such as Nitrogen or Nitrogen-Helium, are used to eliminate any oxygen level from the environment during the die bonding heated process. The Palomar Technologies PHS has been designed with a small hole just large enough to move the dies in without disrupting the controlled gas environment. The Palomar Technologies PHS offers the ability to remotely move a cover lid via programmable software, opening and closing off the die bonding location at just the right moments to ensure a self-contained environment. This automatic feature is not available on the CAMAX system.

Technical and Mechanical Support
The PHS solution is currently in production at Palomar Technologies. Our engineers offer any needed technical and mechanical support for the PHS tool and system. Palomar Technologies can stand by the promise that the PHS system has a zero chance of obsolescence and will be supported by our in-house experts. The CAMAX system does not fall under any technical or mechanical support structure at Palomar Technologies.

Upgrading to a PHS system is a seamless effort and can be deployed on existing 3500 Die Bonder series. The PHS system is available for mounting on all 3800 Die Bonders and 6500 Die Bonders as well.  

Have questions about the Pulse Heat Stage solution, or would like to learn more?