The Materials Science of Ballbonding: A Brief Overview

Thermosonic ballbonding is a metallurgical process that until recently was rarely the subject of metallurgical analysis. However, in recent years greater focus has been given to the materials science of thermosonic ball - wedge bonding in an attempt to better control and advance its application as an interconnect technology in advanced packages. This article briefly reviews the currently incomplete understanding of the underlying materials science of ballbonding and offers different viewpoints on some aspects of commonly studied phenomena, especially intermetallic growth.