Abstract
Micro-sized bumps on a multi-layered build-up PCB were fabricated by pulse-reverse copper electroplating. The values of the current density and brightener content for the electroplating were optimized for suitable performance with maximum efficiency. The micro-bumps thus electroplated were characterized using a range of analytical tools that included an optical microscope, a scanning electron microscope, an atomic force microscope and a hydraulic bulge tester. The optical microscope and scanning electron microscope analyses results showed that the uniformity of the electroplating was viable in the current density range of $2-4\;A/dm^2$; however, the uniformity was slightly degraded as the current density increased. To study the effect of the brightener concentration, the concentration was varied from zero to 1.2 ml/L. The optimum concentration for micro-bump electroplating was found to be 0.6 ml/L based on an examination of the electroplating properties, including the roughness, yield strength and grain size.
