A method and apparatus for creating second order vibrational modes. The apparatus includes a signal generator, a piezoelectric transducer, a plurality of wave propagating beams and reflecting boards. An electric field applied by the signal generator to the piezoelectric transducer induces a unidirectional vibration of the transducer. The vibration is propagated through the beams and reflected by the reflecting boards in a closed polygonal loop. The final reflection direction is perpendicular to the original vibration. A circular or elliptical vibration of the apparatus results. The circular or elliptical vibrational energy can be imparted to the wire bond of an integrated circuit to add strength to the connection.
Wedge wire bonding apparatus are disclosed with an improved configuration in which the transducer axis lies on a line that bisects the XY axes, and the operator views the bonding process by looking directly along the axis of the transducer. The result is a shorter bonding cycle time as time is saved as the bonding head moves from a first to a second bonding position while at the same time the operator is placed in the best possible position for viewing the bonding operation, which facilitates in particular any necessary alignment and set-up steps.
Embodiments of a method and apparatus for imprinting a trench pattern on a substrate using ultrasonic vibrations. The trench pattern corresponds to a circuit pattern that is to be formed on the substrate, the circuit pattern including a number of conductive traces and other conductive elements. In one embodiment, the substrate includes a base layer and a layer of dielectric material overlying a surface of the base layer, and the circuit pattern is formed in the dielectric layer.
