A method of providing a z-axis force profile applied to a plurality of bonding locations during a wire bonding operation is provided. The method includes: (a) determining a z-axis force profile for each of a plurality of bonding locations on an unsupported portion of at least one reference semiconductor device; and (b) applying the z-axis force profile during subsequent bonding of a subject semiconductor device. Methods of: determining a maximum bond force applied to a bonding location during formation of a wire bond; and determining a z-axis constant velocity profile for formation of a wire bond, are also provided.

A wire bonding apparatus is provided with: a bonding stage on which a semiconductor chip is mounted; a wire bonding unit including a capillary bonding a bonding wire to the semiconductor chip, a Z-axis drive section reciprocating the capillary, and a tool XY-stage causing the capillary and the Z-axis drive section to be moved along a two-dimensional plane intersecting a direction of reciprocation; and a base having an optical system and an optical system XY-stage causing the optical system to be moved along a two-dimensional plane intersecting a direction of reciprocation, the base having the wire bonding unit attached thereto. The wire bonding unit is attached to a first portion of the base, and the optical system XY-stage is attached to a second portion of the base which is separate from the first portion.

A wire bonding apparatus includes: a capillary, performing predetermined processing on a workpiece and movable with respect to the workpiece; an optical mechanism, moving together with the capillary; and a controller. The optical mechanism includes: a first imaging unit, acquiring a first image obtained by imaging a standard point set within an imaging range; and a second imaging unit, acquiring a second image obtained by imaging a reference point formed at a predetermined distance from the capillary. The controller positions the capillary with respect to the workpiece based on the first image, and calculates a positioning correction amount of the capillary based on the second image.