Introduction to Wire Bonding

The Introduction to Wire Bonding course provides theoretical and practical understanding of the wire bonding process as a key microelectronic interconnection technique. This course helps participants understand how wire bonding equipment works and informs better decision-making when implementing the wire bonding process.

Who it's for

This course is designed for anyone exposed to or developing the wire bonding process, particularly employees of the compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales (known as CSconnected) and those working in the packaging of semiconductor modules and devices. The training is also relevant for individuals working in the semiconductor sector globally, as well as their supply chain partners and anyone interested in wire bonding.

What you'll learn

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Explain what wire bonding is and its function within the wider semiconductor supply chain
• Understand the performance expected from a good wire bond
• Describe the generic step-by-step processes involved in wire bonding and how the machinery works
• Explain the similarities and differences between ball bonding, wedge bonding, and ribbon bonding techniques, including their pros and cons
• Know which materials can be used in the wire bonding process and which materials to select according to the outcomes needed
• Understand the different parameters that affect the 'recipe' when wire bonding and how changing the parameters affects the outcome
• Know how to validate the quality of wire bonding through pull tests and shear tests
• Know about the main safety issues to be aware of when wire bonding
• Know the professional standards used for wire bonding

Topics covered

The course covers the following topics:

• Examples of wire bonding and machinery
• Materials used for wire bonding
• Steps in the wire bonding process, including:
  • Known wire material requirements
  • Target sample/product setting
  • Pre-recipe searching
  • Bonding
• Ball and wedge bonding techniques
• Parameters affecting the 'recipe', including:
  • Time
  • Ultrasonic Power
  • Force
  • Temperature
  • Wire materials – Gold, Aluminium, Copper
  • Ball, wedge, and ribbon bonding
  • Wire shape – tail, bridge height, etc
• Fundamentals of ultrasonic, thermosonic, and thermocompression bonding
• Current carrying capacity and fusing limits
• Metallurgical interactions
• Trouble-shooting – what can go wrong during processing and in service
• Advanced wire/ribbon bonding processes – laser and laser/ultrasonic
• Equipment manufacturers and the supply chain
• Validation of the process – quality and tests
  • Wire pull
  • Ball shear
  • Wire pull and ball shear failure mode interpretation (ball lift, shear, wire break on 1st, 2nd bond)
  • Loop height
  • Ball diameter

Benefits

This course has been designed in collaboration with industry partners from the CSconnected cluster and uses funding provided by UKRI's Strength in Places Fund.

Course leads

The course leads are:

• Dr Daniel Wang, Cardiff's Institute of Compound Semiconductors (ICS)
• Steve Riches, iMAPS-UK
• Andy Longford, iMAPS-UK
• Sirin Sunny, Accelonix UK

Funding available

Funding is available for individuals and organisations, including:

• ReAct+ – up to £1,500 for relevant skills training for those 18+ who are resident in Wales and unemployed or under formal notice of redundancy
• Flexible Skills Programme funding – up to 50% funding support to Wales-based businesses

Location

The course is held at Queen's Buildings, 5 The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA.

Cardiff University

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Overview:

Cardiff University is a leading research-intensive university located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse range of programs, and commitment to community engagement.

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Services Offered:

Study:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and international programs across various subject areas. They also provide support services for students, including funding, tuition fee information, and career guidance.

Research:

The university is renowned for its research excellence, with a focus on tackling major challenges facing society, the economy, and the environment. They offer various research facilities and support for researchers.

Work with us:

Cardiff University collaborates with businesses and organizations to provide consultancy services, funded opportunities, and workforce development programs.

Community:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering various projects, resources, and events to support learning, promote Welsh language and culture, and contribute to the green recovery.

Global:

Cardiff University has strong global partnerships with universities and organizations worldwide, fostering international research collaborations and student exchange programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Living in Cardiff:

Cardiff is a vibrant city with a thriving student population, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences, entertainment options, and social activities.

Welsh Language and Culture:

Students have opportunities to learn Welsh and experience the rich Welsh language culture, which is prevalent in Cardiff.

Campus Facilities:

The university provides excellent campus facilities, including libraries, sports facilities, and conference spaces.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Campus Facilities:

Cardiff University offers modern and well-equipped facilities to support student learning and research.

Excellent Career Prospects:

The university has a strong track record of producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers.

Vibrant Student Life:

Cardiff is a lively city with a thriving student community, offering a diverse range of social and cultural experiences.

Research Excellence:

Cardiff University is renowned for its research excellence, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

Community Engagement:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering students opportunities to contribute to social and environmental initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various subject areas, including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

Postgraduate:

The university provides a diverse range of postgraduate programs, including taught courses and research degrees.

International:

Cardiff University welcomes international students and offers specific programs and support services tailored to their needs.

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Other:

Rankings:

Cardiff University consistently ranks highly in national and international rankings, reflecting its academic excellence.

Quality Marks:

The university holds various quality marks, including the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) diamond logo, demonstrating its commitment to quality assurance.

Russell Group:

Cardiff University is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.