CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY, SYSTEM AND LITHOGRAPHY INSTALLATION
20220200181 · 2022-06-23
Inventors
Cpc classification
H01R12/91
ELECTRICITY
H01R12/7005
ELECTRICITY
G03F7/70991
PHYSICS
H01R13/6315
ELECTRICITY
International classification
Abstract
A connector arrangement includes a first connector element, a second connector element, a first printed circuit board section and a second printed circuit board section. The second connector element can be plugged together with the first connector element in an insertion direction to form an electrical connection. The first connector is mounted on the first printed circuit board section. The first printed circuit board section is mounted on the second printed circuit board section such that the first printed circuit board section is movable perpendicularly to the insertion direction. This can bring about tolerance compensation when the first and second connector elements are plugged together.
Claims
1. A connector arrangement, comprising: a first connector element; a second connector element configured to be plugged together with the first connector element in an insertion direction to define an electrical connection; a first printed circuit board section on which the first connector element is mounted; and a second printed circuit board section on which the first printed circuit board section is mounted so as to be movable perpendicularly to the insertion direction to provide tolerance compensation when the first and second connector elements are plugged together.
2. The connector arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first and second connector elements are plugged together.
3. The connector arrangement of claim 2, wherein the first and second printed circuit board sections are integral with one another.
4. The connector arrangement of claim 2, further comprising a flexure connecting the first and second printed circuit board sections.
5. The connector arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first and second printed circuit board sections are integral with one another.
6. The connector arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a flexure connecting the first and second printed circuit board sections.
7. An apparatus, comprising: a connector arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a lithography apparatus.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first and second connector elements are plugged together.
9. A system, comprising: a first connector element; a carrier section supporting the first connector element; a second connector element configured to be plugged together with the first connector element in an insertion direction to define an electrical connection; a first printed circuit board section on which the first connector element is mounted; a second printed circuit board section on which the first printed circuit board section is mounted so as to be movable perpendicularly to the insertion direction to provide tolerance compensation when the first and second connector elements are plugged together; and an actuator electrically connected to a member selected from the group consisting of the carrier section and the first connector element.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the actuator is electrically connected to the carrier section.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the actuator is electrically connected to the first connector element.
12. The system of claim 8, further comprising a sensor electrically connected to the carrier section.
13. The system of claim 8, further comprising a sensor electrically connected to the first connector element.
14. The system of claim 8, further comprising an integrated circuit electrically connected to the second connector element.
15. An apparatus, comprising: a system according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus is a lithography apparatus.
16. A system, comprising: a first connector element; a carrier section supporting the first connector element; a second connector element configured to be plugged together with the first connector element in an insertion direction to define an electrical connection; a first printed circuit board section on which the first connector element is mounted; a second printed circuit board section on which the first printed circuit board section is mounted so as to be movable perpendicularly to the insertion direction to provide tolerance compensation when the first and second connector elements are plugged together; and a sensor electrically connected to a member selected from the group consisting of the carrier section and the first connector element.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the sensor is electrically connected to the carrier section.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein the sensor is electrically connected to the first connector element.
19. The system of claim 16, further comprising an integrated circuit electrically connected to the second connector element.
20. An apparatus, comprising: a system according to claim 16, wherein the apparatus is a lithography apparatus.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] In the text that follows, the disclosure will be explained in more detail on the basis of embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0045]
[0046]
[0047]
[0048]
[0049]
[0050]
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[0055]
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[0057]
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0058] Unless indicated to the contrary, elements that are the same or functionally the same have been provided with the same reference signs in the figures. It should also be noted that the illustrations in the figures are not necessarily true to scale.
[0059]
[0060] The EUV lithography apparatus 100A has an EUV light source 106A. A plasma source (or a synchrotron), which emits radiation 108A in the EUV range (extreme ultraviolet range), that is to say for example in the wavelength range of 5 nm to 20 nm, can for example be provided as the EUV light source 106A. In the beam-shaping and illumination system 102, the EUV radiation 108A is focused and the desired operating wavelength is filtered out from the EUV radiation 108A. The EUV radiation 108A generated by the EUV light source 106A has a relatively low transmissivity through air, for which reason the beam-guiding spaces in the beam-shaping and illumination system 102 and in the projection system 104 are evacuated.
[0061] The beam-shaping and illumination system 102 illustrated in
[0062] The projection system 104 (also referred to as a projection lens) has six mirrors M1 to M6 for imaging the photomask 120 onto the wafer 124. In this case, individual mirrors M1 to M6 of the projection system 104 may be arranged symmetrically in relation to an optical axis 126 of the projection system 104. It should be noted that the number of mirrors M1 to M6 of the EUV lithography apparatus 100A is not restricted to the number shown. A greater or lesser number of mirrors M1 to M6 may also be provided. Furthermore, the mirrors M1 to M6 are generally curved on their front sides for beam shaping.
[0063] Furthermore, an actuator 134 is provided, which is configured to change a position of the mirror 118, for example. Such an actuator 134 can also be provided for other mirrors 110, 112, 114, 116 in the beam-shaping and illumination system 102. Alternatively or additionally, such an actuator 134 may be provided for at least one of the mirrors M1-M6. A sensor 136 is provided, for example, which is configured to capture a position of the mirror 118. Such a sensor 136 can also be provided for other mirrors 110, 112, 114, 116 in the beam-shaping and illumination system 102. Alternatively or additionally, such a sensor 136 may be provided for at least one of the mirrors M1-M6. A multiplicity of such sensors 136 can also be provided.
[0064]
[0065] The DUV lithography apparatus 100B has a DUV light source 106B. By way of example, an ArF excimer laser that emits radiation 108B in the DUV range at 193 nm, for example, can be provided as the DUV light source 106B.
[0066] The beam-shaping and illumination system 102 illustrated in
[0067] The projection system 104 has multiple lens elements 128 and/or mirrors 130 for imaging the photomask 120 onto the wafer 124. In this case, individual lens elements 128 and/or mirrors 130 of the projection system 104 may be arranged symmetrically in relation to an optical axis 126 of the projection system 104. It should be noted that the number of lens elements 128 and mirrors 130 of the DUV lithography apparatus 100B is not restricted to the number shown. A greater or lesser number of lens elements 128 and/or mirrors 130 can also be provided. Furthermore, the mirrors 130 are generally curved on their front sides for beam shaping. The actuator 134 (see
[0068] An air gap between the last lens element 128 and the wafer 124 can be replaced by a liquid medium 132 having a refractive index of >1. The liquid medium 132 may be for example high-purity water. Such a setup is also referred to as immersion lithography and has an increased photolithographic resolution. The medium 132 can also be referred to as an immersion liquid.
[0069]
[0070] In addition, a carrier element 210 is provided, which carries the connector element 202. The carrier element 210 and the connector element 202 are rigidly connected to one another. The carrier element 210 can be a printed circuit board, which includes conductor tracks 212 which are embedded in an insulating material 214 or mounted thereto. The material 214 may include a fiberglass composite. The carrier element 210 can also carry electronic components (not shown).
[0071] The carrier element 210 can have a two-dimensional form and has a thickness D of between 1.5 and 4 mm, for example 2 and 3 mm. Furthermore, an electrical line 216, for example a flexible cable and/or a rigid-flex-rigid connection (indicated by dashed lines) can be connected to the carrier element 210, which connects the carrier element 210 to, for example, a further carrier element 400, 402, 404 (see
[0072] The connector arrangement 200 additionally includes a receptacle 218, in which the carrier element 210 is accommodated so that it is movable in a movement direction B1 perpendicular to the insertion direction E in order to bring about tolerance compensation when the connector elements 202, 204 are plugged together. The receptacle 218 is provided as a cavity in a housing element 220 (also referred to herein as the first housing element). The carrier element 210 is accommodated in the receptacle 218 in such a way that a gap S is provided in the movement direction B1, which gap defines and delimits movability in the movement direction B1.
[0073] For example, a maximum gap S in the movement direction B1 (i.e., when the carrier element 210 rests against a side wall 222 of the receptacle 218) is between 0.1 and 15 mm, for example 1 and 5 mm. This can be referred to as floating support, for example. The receptacle 218 includes opposite side walls 222, 224, which delimit the movement of the carrier element 210 in the movement direction B1. The receptacle 218 furthermore includes walls 226, 228 that run perpendicularly to the side walls 222, 224 and prevent movement of the carrier element 210 relative to the receptacle 218 in the insertion direction E.
[0074] For example, a small clearance S0 is provided between the walls 226, 228 and the carrier element 210, for example a top side 236 of the carrier element 210, in order to prevent the carrier element 210 from becoming jammed in the receptacle 218. The clearance S0 can be between 0.05 and 2 mm, for example between 0.1 and 1.5 mm. The carrier element 210 can rest against a bottom 230 of the housing element 220, for example with a frictional connection. The carrier element 210 is accommodated within the receptacle 218 with a form-fitting connection.
[0075] The connector arrangement 200 further includes a housing element 232 (here also referred to as the second housing element) to which the connector element 204 is connected, for example indirectly. The connector element 204 can be connected to a printed circuit board 238, which is for example screwed onto the housing element 232. The connector element 204 can, for example, also be connected to the printed circuit board 238 merely via lines 1106 (see
[0076] For example, the connector element 202 includes a 10-400, for example 80-300, pin connector, and the connector element 204 includes a 10-400, for example 80-300, pin socket. The connector element 202 can be interchangeable with the connector element 204.
[0077]
[0078] The receptacle 218 includes side walls 300, 302, which delimit a movement of the carrier element 210 in the movement direction B2. For example, a maximum gap S in the movement direction B2 (i.e., when the carrier element 210 rests against the side wall 302 of the receptacle 218) is between 0.1 and 15 mm, for example 1 and 5 mm.
[0079]
[0080] Two further carrier elements 402, 404, on which connector elements 408, 410 are mounted, are accommodated in the housing element 220. The connector elements 202, 406, 408, 410 are here arranged at a distance from one another. The carrier elements 400, 402, 404 are formed like the carrier element 210 and are correspondingly movably accommodated in receptacles (not shown) of the housing element 220.
[0081] Furthermore, connector elements (not shown), which can be plugged together with the connector elements 408, 410 in the insertion direction E and are thus formed as corresponding mating connectors, are formed on the housing element 232. Alternatively, instead of 4, it could also be possible to provide 2, 3, 5 or 6 carrier elements and connector elements with the housing element 220 and a corresponding number of connector elements with the housing element 232. For example, the carrier elements 210, 400, 402, 404 are connected to one another with the aid of cables (not shown), for example flex cables.
[0082]
[0083] The centering elements 500, 502 interact in such a way that the connector element 202 and the connector element 204 are aligned with one another with a precise fit when they are plugged together in the insertion direction E. The centering element 500 is provided next to the first connector element 202, extends beyond the connector element 202 in the insertion direction E, and is connected to the connector element 202 via the carrier element 210. The centering element 500 is formed, for example, as a centering pin, which is connected to the upper side 236 of the carrier element 210, for example with a materially bonded connection (e.g. via an adhesive bond). For example, the centering element 500 is screwed to the carrier element 210. Alternatively, the centering element 500 could be formed integrally with the carrier element 210.
[0084] The centering element 502 includes a receiving element 504, which is configured to accommodate the centering element 500 in order to bring about centering. Corresponding centering elements 526, 528, 530 can also be provided with the carrier elements 400, 402, 404. The centering element 502 can alternatively be integrated into the housing element 232 or be provided as a separate part which is connected to the housing element 232.
[0085] The receiving element 504 is formed as a cavity, which includes a frustoconical section 506 and, adjoining it, a cylindrical section 508. The section 508 is adjoined by a further frustoconical section 510, which in turn is adjoined by a cylindrical section 512. The frustoconical section 506 acts as an insertion bevel to center the centering element 500 with respect to a centering axis Z, which is formed for example as the axis of rotational symmetry of the receiving element 504. The section 506 tapers in the insertion direction E. The section 510 widens in the insertion direction E.
[0086] The centering element 500 includes a guide section 514. which is provided as a thickening and can form one end of the centering element 500. The section 508 has a width D1 (for example, diameter) that is slightly greater than a width D2 (for example, diameter) of the guide section 514, as a result of which there is a loose fit when the guide section 514 is situated within the section 508 (see
[0087] The centering element 502 can include a tubular section 520, which protrudes downwards from the housing element 232 counter to the insertion direction E and which includes the section 506 and at least partially the section 508. In addition, the connector element 202 includes a plurality of pins 522. The connector element 204 includes a multiplicity of sockets 524 corresponding to the pins 522.
[0088] As shown in
[0089] Since the carrier element 210 is provided so as to be movable and is rigidly connected to the centering element 500, the carrier element 210 together with the connector element 202 also moves in the movement direction B1, B2.
[0090] In contrast to
[0091] A two-stage centering can thus be provided, in which, in a first stage, pre-centering can take place with the aid of the centering elements 500, 502 and, in a second stage, final centering can take place with the aid of the insertion bevels 600 of the connector element 522 and of the opening edge 602 of the connector element 204 when plugging in the connector elements 202, 204.
[0092] When the housing elements 220, 232 are further brought together in the insertion direction E, the guide section 514 leaves the section 508 and moves directly into the section 510, which has an expanding width D3, for example diameter. The width D3 is greater than the width D1 (see
[0093] In contrast to
[0094]
[0095] The centering element 500 includes a base section 800, which is connected to the connector element 202 and is adjoined by the guide section 514, which is cylindrical in shape and includes a tip that forms the insertion bevels 516. The receiving element 504 is formed as a cavity, for example a cylindrical cavity. In this exemplary embodiment, the clearance S1 can, for example, be larger than in the exemplary embodiment in
[0096]
[0097] For example, the printed circuit board 238 is formed like the printed circuit board sections 900, 902 (i.e., movable).
[0098] For example, the printed circuit board section 902 is mounted in the housing section 220 in such a way that it does not move when the connector elements 202, 204 are plugged together. The printed circuit board section 902 can be screwed to the housing section 232. When the connector elements 202, 204 are plugged together, the printed circuit board section 900 together with the connector element 202 moves in the movement direction B1, B2 relative to the printed circuit board section 902 and the housing section 220 in order to bring about tolerance compensation.
[0099] For example, the printed circuit board section 900 and the printed circuit board section 902 are formed integrally with one another. The printed circuit board sections can be connected to one another via at least one spring element 904, 906. For example, the spring element 904, 906 is formed as a flexure 1000, 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008 (see
[0100] Alternatively, the connector element 202 can be brought into contact with conductor tracks (not shown) of the printed circuit board section 900, which in turn are electrically connected to the conductor tracks 212. Furthermore, the conductor tracks 212 can extend through the spring element 904, 906 into the printed circuit board section 900 and be brought into contact with the connector element 202. Furthermore, centering elements, as described for
[0101]
[0102] The material weakenings 1000 can be introduced, for example, with the aid of a separating process, for example lasering or milling. The material weakenings 1000 can be formed as gaps or cutouts, which can extend over an entire thickness of the printed circuit is board sections 900, 902. For example, material weakenings 1012, 1014 are introduced into the printed circuit board 908 in such a way that a flexure 1002 is formed in the shape of a U. Furthermore, a further U-shaped flexure 1004 can be provided opposite the flexure 1002.
[0103] Two further U-shaped flexures 1006, 1008 can be provided mirror-symmetrically to the flexures 1002, 1004. Furthermore, for example, material weakenings 1016, 1018 are provided in such a way that a trapezoidal flexure 1010 is formed. The flexures 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010 are configured to allow an elastic movement of the printed circuit board section 900 relative to the printed circuit board section 902. The flexures 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010 can also be L-shaped, curved, W-shaped or I-shaped, for example.
[0104]
[0105] The actuator 134 can be screwed to the housing element 220. The connector element 204 acts as an electronic interface of the integrated circuit 1102 to the connector element 202. The circuit may include a processor 1108. Instead of an actuator 134, the system can also include 2, 3, 4 or more actuators, which are brought into contact with the circuit 1102 via the connector elements 202, 204, 406, 408, 410, 412 (see
[0106]
[0107] Although the present disclosure has been described on the basis of exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in various ways.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0108] 100A EUV lithography apparatus [0109] 100B DUV lithography apparatus [0110] 102 Beam-shaping and illumination system [0111] 104 Projection system [0112] 106A EUV light source [0113] 106B DUV light source [0114] 108A EUV radiation [0115] 108B DUV radiation [0116] 110 Mirror [0117] 112 Mirror [0118] 114 Mirror [0119] 116 Mirror [0120] 118 Mirror [0121] 120 Photomask [0122] 122 Mirror [0123] 124 Wafer [0124] 126 Optical axis [0125] 128 Lens element [0126] 130 Mirror [0127] 132 Medium [0128] 134 Actuator [0129] 136 Sensor [0130] 200 Connector arrangement [0131] 202 Connector element [0132] 204 Connector element [0133] 206 Connector [0134] 208 Socket [0135] 210 Carrier element [0136] 212 Conductor tracks [0137] 214 Material [0138] 216 Line [0139] 218 Receptacle [0140] 220 Housing element [0141] 222 Side wall [0142] 224 Side wall [0143] 226 Side wall [0144] 228 Side wall [0145] 230 Bottom [0146] 232 Housing element [0147] 234 Opening [0148] 236 Upper side [0149] 238 Printed circuit board [0150] 300 Wall [0151] 302 Wall [0152] 400 Carrier element [0153] 402 Carrier element [0154] 404 Carrier element [0155] 406 Connector element [0156] 408 Connector element [0157] 410 Connector element [0158] 412 Connector element [0159] 414 Receptacle [0160] 500 Centering element [0161] 502 Centering element [0162] 504 Receiving element [0163] 506 Section [0164] 508 Section [0165] 510 Section [0166] 512 Section [0167] 514 Guide section [0168] 516 Insertion bevel [0169] 518 Part [0170] 520 Tubular section [0171] 522 Pin [0172] 524 Socket [0173] 526 Centering element [0174] 528 Centering element [0175] 530 Centering element [0176] 600 Insertion bevel [0177] 602 Opening edge [0178] 800 Base section [0179] 900 Printed circuit board section [0180] 902 Printed circuit board section [0181] 904 Spring element [0182] 906 Spring element [0183] 908 Printed circuit board [0184] 1000 Material weakening [0185] 1002 Flexure [0186] 1004 Flexure [0187] 1006 Flexure [0188] 1008 Flexure [0189] 1010 Flexure [0190] 1012 Material weakening [0191] 1014 Material weakening [0192] 1100 System [0193] 1102 Circuit [0194] 1104 Line [0195] 1106 Line [0196] 1108 Processor [0197] 1200 Sensor [0198] 1202 Sensor [0199] B1 Movement direction [0200] B2 Movement direction [0201] E Insertion direction [0202] D Thickness [0203] D1 Width [0204] D2 Width [0205] D3 Width [0206] M1 Mirror [0207] M2 Mirror [0208] M3 Mirror [0209] M4 Mirror [0210] M5 Mirror [0211] M6 Mirror [0212] S Gap [0213] S0 Clearance [0214] S1 Clearance [0215] Z Centering axis