CHIP MATCHING MECHANISM

摘要

The chip registration mechanism may form a part of a carrier for positioning and retaining in position a plurality of integrated circuit chips in row and column fashion such that the chips may be accurately aligned during and after manufacture. The mechanism includes a tray (22) having multiple cells, with each cell receiving an individual integrated circuit chip (10) for positioning the same relative to a reference surface. A chip registration base assembly (34) includes a pedestal (44) projecting upwardly from a base member (36) within a cavity (28) having transverse dimensions oversized relative to the chip (10) and defining at least one lateral reference surface (30a). …A lid (24) extending across the top of the tray (22) partially defines the cavity (28) above the chip (10) with the chip (10) resting on the top (44b) of the pedestal (44). Inclined nozzles (48) carried by the pedestal (44) function to jet air from the pedestal's top surface (44b) against the bottom of the chip (10) to create an air film to support the chip (10) and to impart a force laterally to move the edge of the chip (10) against the cavity reference surface (30a). …A relief channel (54) about the base of the pedestal (44) open to the atmosphere prevents flutter of the chip (10) and ensures accurate registration contact of the edge (10a), of the chip (10) against the cavity reference surface (30a). The same nozzles (48) carried by the pedestal (44) function to pull the bottom of the chip (10) against the pedestal top surface (44b) to clamp the chip (10) in this orientation.