Smart IC substrate, smart IC module, and IC card comprising same

The substrate design addresses adhesion and thickness issues in smart IC cards by modifying hydrophilic functional groups and surface energy, improving adhesion and stability for enhanced product yield and reliability.

WO2026019193A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-01-22LG INNOTEK CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2025/010293
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-07-15
Filing Date
2025-07-14
Publication Date
2026-01-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Smart IC substrates face issues with reduced adhesion to molding members due to prepreg surface homogeneity, leading to thickness variations and molding material flow, which affects product yield and reliability.

Method used

The substrate design incorporates differential hydrophilic functional group ratios and surface energy modifications on one side and the adhesive layer, enhancing adhesion to molding members and stabilizing chip placement.

Benefits of technology

Improves adhesion and thickness uniformity, stabilizes molding, and enhances product yield and reliability by preventing molding material flow, thus ensuring stable chip operation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A smart IC substrate according to an embodiment comprises: a base comprising one surface and the other surface opposite to the one surface; and a conductive pattern part disposed on the one surface of the base, wherein the one surface of the base has hydrophilic functional groups in a proportion different from that of the other surface.
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Description

Smart IC substrate, smart IC module and IC card including the same

[0001] The embodiments relate to a smart IC substrate, a smart IC module, and an IC card including the same.

[0002] An IC card is a plastic card with an integrated circuit chip capable of storing and processing information. An IC card contains an IC chip that stores the necessary information and transmits this information to a reader in the form of an electrical signal. These IC cards are manufactured by inserting a smart IC module into the card body.

[0003] Smart IC modules are classified as single-type or dual-type depending on the arrangement of the metal layers. Single-type modules have electrode patterns on only one side of the substrate. Dual-type modules have electrode patterns on both sides of the substrate.

[0004] Additionally, smart IC modules are categorized into contact, contactless, hybrid, and combi cards, depending on how the card is used. Contact cards transmit and receive information through physical contact. Contactless cards transmit and receive information without physical contact. Furthermore, hybrid and combi cards incorporate both contact and contactless functions.

[0005] Contact-type smart IC modules transmit and receive information through physical contact. Contactless smart IC modules use wireless communication capabilities (e.g., Near Field Communication (NFC)) to transmit and receive information without physical contact. Combi-type smart IC modules and hybrid smart IC modules incorporate both physical contact and contactless wireless communication capabilities.

[0006] Smart IC cards in these smart IC card modules are widely used in various fields such as credit cards, SIM cards, security cards, and ID cards. The smart IC substrate applied to these smart IC cards includes a substrate and an electrode pattern arranged on the substrate. The electrode pattern includes a bonding surface and a contact surface. The bonding surface of the electrode pattern refers to one surface of the electrode pattern. For example, the bonding surface of the electrode pattern refers to the surface of the electrode pattern that is connected to the IC chip. In addition, the contact surface of the electrode pattern refers to the other surface of the electrode pattern that is exposed to the outside of the smart IC card. For example, the contact surface of the electrode pattern refers to the surface that makes contact with an external device (e.g., a card reader).

[0007] These smart IC substrates undergo a process of forming a molding member to mold the IC chip after the IC chip has been mounted. However, the substrate used for smart IC substrates is prepreg, and the prepreg's surface homogeneity issues can lead to reduced adhesion to the molding member.

[0008] Additionally, smart IC substrates can have significant thickness variations in different areas of the molding material due to surface homogeneity issues of the prepreg, which can lead to a decrease in product yield.

[0009] In addition, smart IC substrates have a problem in that the molding material may flow to areas other than the area where the chip is placed due to surface homogeneity issues of the prepreg, thereby deteriorating the molding characteristics of the molding material.

[0010] Accordingly, new methods are required to improve the molding characteristics of smart IC substrates.

[0011] Embodiments provide a smart IC substrate, a smart IC module, and an IC card including the same, wherein physical reliability and / or electrical reliability are disclosed.

[0012] In addition, the embodiment provides a smart IC substrate, a smart IC module, and an IC card including the same with improved adhesion to a molding member.

[0013] In addition, the embodiment provides a smart IC substrate, a smart IC module, and an IC card including the same, which can improve the thickness uniformity of a molding member.

[0014] In addition, the embodiment provides a smart IC substrate, a smart IC module, and an IC card including the same, which control the flowability of the molding member so that the molding member can be stably placed in a chip placement area.

[0015] The technical tasks to be achieved in the proposed embodiment are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the proposed embodiment belongs from the description below.

[0016] A smart IC substrate according to an embodiment comprises a substrate including one side and a second side opposite to the first side; and a conductive pattern portion disposed on the first side of the substrate; wherein a ratio of hydrophilic functional groups on the first side of the substrate is different from a ratio of hydrophilic functional groups on the second side of the substrate.

[0017] Additionally, the ratio of the hydrophilic functional group on the other side of the substrate is greater than the ratio of the hydrophilic functional group on the one side of the substrate.

[0018] Additionally, the hydrophilic functional group includes at least one of CO, C=O, and OC=O.

[0019] Additionally, the ratio of the CC functional group on the other side of the above-mentioned substrate is smaller than the ratio of the CC functional group on the one side of the above-mentioned substrate.

[0020] In addition, the ratio of OC=O on the other side of the above-mentioned substrate is 1.3 times or more the ratio of OC=O on the one side of the above-mentioned substrate.

[0021] In addition, the surface roughness of the one side of the above-mentioned substrate satisfies a range of 95% to 105% of the surface roughness of the other side of the above-mentioned substrate.

[0022] Additionally, the surface energy of the other side of the above-mentioned substrate is greater than the surface energy of the one side of the above-mentioned substrate.

[0023] Additionally, the surface energy of the other side of the above-mentioned substrate is at least 1.3 times the surface energy of the one side of the above-mentioned substrate.

[0024] In addition, the substrate includes a through hole penetrating the one surface and the other surface, and at least one of the ratio of hydrophilic functional groups and the size of surface energy of the inner surface of the through hole of the substrate is greater than the ratio of hydrophilic functional groups and the size of surface energy of the one surface of the substrate.

[0025] In addition, the through hole includes a plurality of through holes spaced apart from each other, the other surface of the substrate includes a first region surrounded by the plurality of through holes, and a second region disposed outside the first region, and the other surface of the substrate includes a region in which at least one of a ratio of hydrophilic functional groups and a surface energy changes from the first region to the second region.

[0026] Additionally, the ratio of hydrophilic functional groups in the first region is greater than the ratio of hydrophilic functional groups in the second region.

[0027] Additionally, the surface energy in the first region is greater than the surface energy in the second region.

[0028] Meanwhile, a smart IC substrate according to another embodiment includes a substrate including one side and a second side opposite to the first side; a first conductive pattern portion disposed on the first side of the substrate; a second conductive pattern portion disposed on the second side of the substrate; and an adhesive layer disposed between the second side of the substrate and the second conductive pattern portion, wherein the adhesive layer includes a first portion that does not contact the second conductive pattern portion and a second portion that contacts the second conductive pattern portion, and a ratio of hydrophilic functional groups in the first portion of the adhesive layer is different from a ratio of hydrophilic functional groups in the second portion.

[0029] Additionally, the ratio of the hydrophilic functional group in the first part of the adhesive layer is greater than the ratio of the hydrophilic functional group in the second part of the substrate.

[0030] Additionally, the hydrophilic functional group includes at least one of CO, C=O, and OC=O.

[0031] Additionally, the ratio of the CC functional group in the first part of the adhesive layer is smaller than the ratio of the CC functional group in the second part of the adhesive layer.

[0032] Additionally, the ratio of OC=O in the first part of the adhesive layer is 1.3 times or more the ratio of OC=O in the second part of the adhesive layer.

[0033] Additionally, the surface roughness of the first portion of the adhesive layer satisfies a range of 95% to 105% of the surface roughness of the second portion of the adhesive layer.

[0034] Additionally, the surface energy of the first portion of the adhesive layer is greater than the surface energy of the second portion of the adhesive layer of the substrate.

[0035] Additionally, the surface energy of the first portion of the adhesive layer is at least 1.3 times the surface energy of the second portion of the adhesive layer.

[0036] In addition, the substrate includes a through hole penetrating the first surface and the second surface, and at least one of the ratio of hydrophilic functional groups and the size of surface energy of the inner surface of the through hole of the substrate is greater than the ratio of hydrophilic functional groups and the size of surface energy of the second portion of the adhesive layer.

[0037] The embodiment can improve adhesion to a molding member through surface modification changes of a smart IC substrate.

[0038] In particular, the substrate of the embodiment includes one surface in contact with a conductive pattern portion or an adhesive layer, and the other surface in contact with a molding member. At this time, the embodiment performs a surface modification change on the other surface of the substrate, thereby improving the adhesion with the molding member without affecting the surface properties of the one surface of the substrate. Through this, the embodiment may not affect the process conditions for arranging the adhesive layer or the conductive pattern portion on the one surface of the substrate, thereby improving the physical reliability and / or electrical reliability of the smart IC substrate.

[0039] Furthermore, the embodiment can improve adhesion to the molding member through surface modification changes on the other side of the substrate, thereby enabling more stable molding of the chip. Accordingly, the embodiment can provide more stable protection of the chip, thereby improving the operating characteristics of the chip.

[0040] Furthermore, the embodiment can improve the processability in the assembly process of forming the molding member, thereby improving the product yield.

[0041] In addition, according to another embodiment, different surface modification changes can be made in a first region where a chip is molded on the other surface of the substrate and a second region excluding the first region. In particular, the embodiment can make the size of the surface energy and / or the ratio of the hydrophilic functional groups in the first region greater than the size of the surface energy and / or the ratio of the hydrophilic functional groups in the second region. Accordingly, the embodiment can make it possible for the molding member to have a more uniform thickness in the first region, and further, can prevent the molding member from flowing into the second region.

[0042] In particular, the adhesive layer of the embodiment includes a first portion that is in contact with or vertically overlaps with the conductive pattern portion, and a second portion that is not in contact with or vertically overlaps with the conductive pattern portion. At this time, the embodiment performs a surface modification change on the second portion of the adhesive layer, thereby improving the adhesion with the main body of the smart IC card without affecting the surface characteristics of the first portion of the adhesive layer. Through this, the embodiment may not affect the process conditions for arranging the conductive pattern portion on the first portion of the adhesive layer, thereby improving the bonding strength with the main body of the smart IC card. Therefore, the embodiment may improve the physical reliability and / or electrical reliability of the smart IC substrate.

[0043] Furthermore, the embodiment can improve the adhesion between the main body of the smart IC card and the substrate by modifying the surface of the second portion of the adhesive layer, thereby improving the bonding strength between the smart IC substrate and the smart IC card more stably. Accordingly, the embodiment can enable the chip to operate more stably, thereby improving the operating characteristics of the chip.

[0044] Furthermore, the embodiment can improve the processability in the assembling process of a smart IC substrate into a smart IC card, thereby improving product yield.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a plan view of one side of a smart IC substrate according to the first embodiment.

[0046] Figure 2 is a plan view of the other surface of the smart IC substrate according to the first embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' direction of FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' direction of FIG. 2 according to the second embodiment.

[0049] Figure 5 is a drawing for explaining the chemical structure of the surface of the substrate according to an embodiment.

[0050] Figures 6a and 6b are drawings for explaining changes in surface characteristics according to surface treatment.

[0051] Figure 7 is a drawing for explaining changes in molding characteristics according to surface treatment.

[0052] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' direction of Fig. 2 according to the third embodiment.

[0053] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' direction of Fig. 2 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0054] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' direction of Fig. 2 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0055] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' direction of Fig. 2 according to the sixth embodiment.

[0056] Fig. 12 is a plan view of the other surface of the smart IC substrate according to the seventh embodiment.

[0057] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' direction of Fig. 12 according to the seventh embodiment.

[0058] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' direction of Fig. 12 according to the eighth embodiment.

[0059] Figure 15 is a drawing for explaining changes in surface characteristics according to surface treatment.

[0060] Fig. 16 is a plan view showing a smart IC module according to one embodiment.

[0061] Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a smart IC module according to an embodiment.

[0062] Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing a smart IC card according to an embodiment.

[0063] Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the smart IC card of Fig. 13.

[0064] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but may be implemented in various different forms. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more of the components of the embodiments may be selectively combined or substituted for use.

[0065] In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted as having a meaning that can be generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined and described, and terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in a dictionary, may be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meaning of the relevant technology.

[0066] In addition, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular may also include the plural unless specifically stated otherwise in the phrase, and when it is described as “A and / or at least one (or more) of B, C,” it may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, and C.

[0067] Additionally, in describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and are not intended to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0068] And, when a component is described as being 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' to another component, it may include not only cases where the component is directly connected, coupled or connected to the other component, but also cases where the component is 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' by another component between the component and the other component.

[0069] Additionally, when it is described as being formed or disposed "above or below" each component, above or below includes not only cases where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or disposed between the two components.

[0070] Additionally, when expressed as “upper or lower,” it can include the meaning of not only the upward direction but also the downward direction based on one component.

[0071]

[0072] Hereinafter, a smart IC substrate, a smart IC module, and a smart IC card including the same according to one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0073] In particular, the following describes a single type smart IC substrate in which a conductive pattern portion is arranged on only one side of the substrate.

[0074] FIG. 1 is a plan view of one side of a smart IC substrate according to a first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the other side of the smart IC substrate according to the first embodiment, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' direction of FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' direction of FIG. 2 according to the second embodiment, FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the chemical structure of the surface of a substrate according to an embodiment, FIGS. 6A and 6B are drawings for explaining changes in surface characteristics according to surface treatment, FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining changes in molding characteristics according to surface treatment, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' direction of FIG. 2 according to a third embodiment, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' direction of FIG. 2 according to a fourth embodiment, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' direction of FIG. 2 according to a fifth embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' direction of FIG. 2 according to a sixth embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' direction.

[0075]

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the smart IC substrate (100) includes a substrate (110) and a conductive pattern portion (120).

[0077] At this time, the conductive pattern portion (120) of the smart IC substrate (100) in the embodiment may be a single type arranged only on one side of the substrate (110).

[0078] The substrate (110) includes one side (110S1) and a second side (110S2) opposite to the first side (110S1). In addition, the conductive pattern portion (120) is arranged on the first side (110S1) of the substrate (110).

[0079] Here, being placed on one side (110S1) is not only understood as a configuration in which the conductive pattern portion (120) is in direct contact with one side (110S1) of the substrate (110), but can also be understood as another configuration between the one side (110S1) of the substrate (110) and the conductive pattern portion (120).

[0080] One side (110S1) of the substrate (110) and the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110) mean opposite sides. The one side (110S1) of the substrate (110) may be defined as a contact surface. For example, the one side (110S1) of the substrate (110) may mean a surface that can recognize information of a smart IC module through direct or indirect contact. In addition, the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110) may be defined as a bonding surface. For example, the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110) may mean a surface for bonding with a mounted chip when a chip (to be described later) is mounted.

[0081] The substrate (110) comprises a resin material. The substrate (110) may have a certain strength. The substrate (110) may include a reinforcing member. For example, the substrate (110) may be provided as a prepreg having a reinforcing member such as glass fiber. Specifically, the substrate (110) may be provided by dispersing glass fiber and silicon-based filler (Si filler) within an epoxy resin.

[0082] The substrate (110) may be rigid or flexible. For example, the substrate (110) may include glass or plastic. For example, the substrate (110) may include chemically strengthened / semi-strengthened glass such as soda lime glass or aluminosilicate glass. Alternatively, the substrate (110) may include polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), propylene glycol (PPG), polycarbonate (PC), or sapphire.

[0083] The substrate (110) may include an optically isotropic film. For example, the substrate (110) may include a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), a cyclic olefin polymer (COP), an optically isotropic polycarbonate (PC), or an optically isotropic polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0084] Alternatively, the substrate (110) may be bent while having a partially curved surface. That is, the substrate (110) may be bent while having a partially flat surface and a partially curved surface. In detail, the ends of the substrate (110) may be bent while having a curved surface. Alternatively, the substrate (110) may be bent while having a random curvature.

[0085] The substrate (110) may have a thickness within a set range. For example, the thickness of the substrate (110) may be 80 μm to 150 μm, 90 μm to 140 μm, or 100 μm to 120 μm. If the thickness of the substrate (110) is less than 80 μm, the support capacity and / or rigidity of the substrate (110) may be reduced, which may make it difficult to stably place the conductive pattern portion (120). If the thickness of the substrate (110) exceeds 150 μm, the thickness of the smart IC substrate may increase, and thereby the thickness of the smart IC card including the smart IC substrate (100) may increase, making it difficult to make it thin.

[0086] The substrate (110) has insulating properties. For example, the substrate (110) may be provided to support the conductive pattern portion (120) and provide insulation between the plurality of electrode patterns constituting the conductive pattern portion (120). For example, the substrate (110) may prevent short circuits between the plurality of electrode patterns.

[0087] The substrate (110) may have through holes. For example, the substrate (110) may include a plurality of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. At this time, although the drawing illustrates that the plurality of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) are provided in eight numbers, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the number of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) provided in the substrate (110) may increase or decrease depending on the type of chip mounted on the smart IC substrate (100). For example, the number of terminals of a chip mounted on a smart IC substrate (100) may be less than 8 or more than 8, and accordingly, the number of a plurality of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) provided in the substrate (110) may be less than 8 or more than 8.

[0088] The plurality of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) may be regions for electrically connecting the conductive pattern portion (120) arranged on one surface (110S1) of the substrate (110) and the terminal of the chip. Preferably, the plurality of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) may be regions for wire bonding between the terminal of the chip and the conductive pattern portion (120).

[0089] Each of the plurality of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) has a width (W1) of a set range. The width (W1) of each of the plurality of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) may mean a diameter of each of the plurality of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8). Alternatively, the width (W1) of each of the plurality of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) may be defined as a minimum distance between inner walls of the through holes passing through the central axis in the horizontal direction of each of the plurality of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8).

[0090] The width (W1) of each of the plurality of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) may be 500 µm to 1000 µm, 600 µm to 900 µm, or 700 µm to 800 µm. If the width (W1) of at least one through hole among the plurality of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) is less than 500 µm, it may be difficult to secure a wire bonding space, and thus, process characteristics in the wire bonding process may deteriorate. In addition, if the width (W1) of at least one of the plurality of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) exceeds 1000 μm, the planar area of ​​the substrate (110) may decrease and the rigidity of the substrate (110) may decrease accordingly, or it may be difficult to stably place the conductive pattern portion (120) on the substrate (110).

[0091] The conductive pattern portion (120) may be arranged on one side (110S1) of the substrate (110). Preferably, the conductive pattern portion (120) may be in direct contact with the one side (110S1) of the substrate (110). For example, in the smart IC substrate (100) of the first embodiment, no additional configuration may be interposed between the one side (110S1) of the substrate (110) and the lower surface of the conductive pattern portion (120).

[0092] That is, the metal layer (for example, a copper layer) constituting the conductive pattern portion (120) can be directly attached onto the substrate (110). For example, a resin laminate in which the metal layer constituting the conductive pattern portion (120) is directly attached onto the substrate (110) through a direct bonding method can be provided, and the smart IC substrate of the embodiment can be manufactured using the above-described resin laminate. As another example, the substrate (110) can be a prepreg, and the prepreg can be directly molded onto the metal layer constituting the conductive pattern portion (120). In this case, the above-described resin laminate can be a CCL (Copper Clad Laminate).

[0093] The conductive pattern portion (120) may refer to a pattern placed on the contact surface of the substrate (110).

[0094] The conductive pattern portion (120) may include a plurality of electrode patterns. For example, the conductive pattern portion (120) has a plurality of pads spaced apart from each other along a horizontal direction. For example, the conductive pattern portion (120) may include a plurality of pads. At this time, the number of the plurality of pads of the conductive pattern portion (120) may correspond to the number of the plurality of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8). For example, the number of the plurality of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) may be eight, and accordingly, the conductive pattern portion (120) may include first to eighth pads (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128) spaced apart from each other along a horizontal direction. One surface of the first to eighth pads (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128) may be a contact surface that makes contact or does not make contact with an external terminal in order to transmit information of the smart IC substrate (100) to the outside. In addition, the other surface of the first to eighth pads (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128) may be a bonding surface that is wire-bonded to a terminal of a chip mounted on the smart IC substrate (100). The first to eighth pads (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128) may also be referred to as an upper pad.

[0095] Each of the first to eighth pads (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128) may be provided in multiple layers. The first to eighth pads (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128) may have the same layer structure.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 3, each of the first to eighth pads (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128) may include a metal layer (120a) disposed on one surface of the substrate (110) and a cover layer covering an exposed surface of the metal layer (120a). At this time, the cover layer may also be referred to as a surface treatment layer disposed on the surface of the metal layer (120a). The cover layer may include a first cover layer (120b) and a second cover layer (120c) depending on the location.

[0097] The metal layer (120a) is disposed on one surface (110S1) of the substrate (110). The metal layer (120a) may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), titanium (Ti), tin (Sn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). Preferably, the metal layer (120a) may be a copper foil layer attached to the substrate (110), and thus may include copper.

[0098] The metal layer (120a) may have a thickness within a set range. For example, the thickness of the metal layer (120a) may be 20 μm to 75 μm, 22 μm to 65 μm, or 25 μm to 60 μm. When the thickness of the metal layer (120a) is less than 20 μm, the resistance of the metal layer (120a) may increase, and thus the resistance of the conductive pattern portion (120) may increase, resulting in deterioration of signal characteristics. When the thickness of the metal layer (120a) exceeds 75 μm, the thickness of the smart IC substrate may increase, and the thickness of the smart IC card may increase. Furthermore, when the thickness of the metal layer (120a) exceeds 75 μm, the time for forming the conductive pattern portion (120) may increase, which may lower process efficiency and lower product yield. For example, the conductive pattern portion (120) can be manufactured by patterning a metal layer (120a) having a certain thickness placed on a substrate (110) using an etching method. In addition, as the thickness of the metal layer (120a) increases, the etching time of the metal layer (120a) can increase, and thus the manufacturing time can increase.

[0099] The first cover layer (120b) and the second cover layer (120c) may be disposed on the surface of the above-described patterned metal layer (120a). That is, a portion of the surface of the metal layer (120a) may not be covered by the substrate (110). In addition, the first cover layer (120b) and the second cover layer (120c) may be provided to cover the surface of the metal layer (120a) that is not covered by the substrate (110).

[0100] In addition, the first cover layer (120b) and the second cover layer (120c) can enable the contact surface and / or bonding surface of the conductive pattern portion (120) to satisfy a certain level of required characteristics. For example, the first cover layer (120b) and the second cover layer (120c) can enable the contact surface and / or bonding surface of the conductive pattern portion (120) to have a certain level or higher of corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, wear resistance, hardness, gloss, and wire bonding properties.

[0101] The contact surface and bonding surface of the conductive pattern portion (120) may be required to have different characteristics. The contact surface of the conductive pattern portion (120) may be a surface exposed to the outside, and thus may be required to have a certain level of corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, wear resistance, and hardness for continuous connection with an external device. In addition, the bonding surface of the conductive pattern portion (120) may be a surface electrically connected to the terminal of the chip, and thus may be required to have a certain level of wire bondability.

[0102] The first cover layer (120b) may be disposed on the surface of the metal layer (120a) corresponding to the contact surface of the conductive pattern portion (120). The first cover layer (120b) may satisfy the required characteristics that the contact surface of the conductive pattern portion (120) should have. For example, the first cover layer (120b) may have a certain level or higher of corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, wear resistance, and hardness. At this time, the metal layer (120a) may be disposed on the upper surface corresponding to one side (110S1) of the substrate (110). Accordingly, the first cover layer (120b) may cover the upper surface of the metal layer (120a). In addition, the first cover layer (120b) may not be provided on the side of the metal layer (120a) that is not substantially used as a contact surface. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The first cover layer (120b) may extend from the upper surface of the metal layer (120a) and cover at least a portion of the side surface of the metal layer (120a), according to an embodiment.

[0103] At this time, the first cover layer according to the first embodiment may include gold (Au). That is, gold (Au) may have a certain level of corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, wear resistance, and hardness. Accordingly, in the first embodiment, the surface treatment of the contact surface of the conductive pattern portion (120) may be performed using gold (Au).

[0104] However, gold (Au) is relatively expensive. Accordingly, when surface treatment is performed with a metal containing gold (Au) on each of the contact surface and bonding surface of the conductive pattern portion (120), there is a problem of increasing the unit price of the product.

[0105] Accordingly, the first cover layer (120b) in the second embodiment may include a nitride. Preferably, the first cover layer (120b) may be a nitride having a certain level of corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, wear resistance, and hardness. For example, the first cover layer (120b) may have a hardness greater than that of gold (Au). In this case, if the first cover layer (120b) only has a hardness greater than that of gold (Au), the design satisfaction of the smart IC substrate may be reduced.

[0106] For example, the above-described contact surface is a surface exposed to the outside of the final product, a smart IC card, and this can act as a factor in determining the design satisfaction of the smart IC card. In this case, if the contact surface is formed of a plating layer containing gold (Au), a gold-colored terminal portion corresponding to the plating layer containing gold (Au) is exposed to the outside, which improves the design satisfaction of the smart IC card while making it possible to provide a more luxurious smart IC card. Therefore, if the first cover layer (120b) has a color other than gold, the design satisfaction may be lowered, and thus the product satisfaction may be lowered.

[0107] Accordingly, the embodiment provides a first cover layer (120b) using a nitride including a metal material having a gold color and a hardness greater than that of gold (Au).

[0108] That is, the first cover layer (120b) may include at least one of titanium nitride (TiNx) and tantalum nitride (TaNx). For example, titanium nitride (TiNx) and tantalum nitride (TaNx) have a gold color. Therefore, when the first cover layer (120b) is comprised of at least one of titanium nitride (TiNx) and tantalum nitride (TaNx), mechanical resistance can be improved compared to a cover layer using conventional gold (Au), and the product cost can be reduced while improving design satisfaction.

[0109] That is, titanium nitride (TiNx) and tantalum nitride (TaNx) can have a hardness in the range of 2000 to 2500 HV, which is 20 times the hardness of gold (Au). Accordingly, when the embodiment provides the first cover layer (120b) using titanium nitride (TiNx) and tantalum nitride (TaNx), the mechanical resistance of the contact surface of the conductive pattern portion (120) can be improved to a level of 20 times or more compared to the existing one.

[0110] Furthermore, titanium nitride (TiNx) and tantalum nitride (TaNx) are relatively cheaper than gold (Au), and thus, when the first cover layer (120b) is provided using titanium nitride (TiNx) and tantalum nitride (TaNx), the unit price of the product can be lowered, and thus product satisfaction can be improved.

[0111] Additionally, titanium nitride (TiNx) and tantalum nitride (TaNx) have a gold color, and thus can provide products that meet the design satisfaction of contact surfaces containing gold (Au) at a relatively low unit price.

[0112] Meanwhile, the first cover layer (120b) described above may be disposed to cover the upper surface of the metal layer (120a) through a coating method and / or a deposition method. Accordingly, titanium nitride (TiNx) and tantalum nitride (TaNx) constituting the first cover layer (120b) may be in direct contact with the upper surface of the metal layer (120a). Furthermore, the adhesion between the first cover layer (120b) and the metal layer (120a) is higher than the adhesion between the plating layer containing gold and the metal layer (120a). For example, the adhesion between the first cover layer (120b) and the metal layer (120a) may be 2 times or more, 3 times or more, or 5 times or more than the adhesion between the plating layer containing gold and the metal layer (120a). Through this, the embodiment can eliminate the seed layer that should be disposed between the first cover layer (120b) and the metal layer (120a). Accordingly, the manufacturing process for forming the first cover layer (120b) can be simplified, thereby further reducing the unit price of the product and further improving the product yield.

[0113] At this time, the degree of nitridation of the first cover layer (120b) can be controlled during the coating reaction. In addition, the first cover layer (120b) can be implemented in various colors depending on the degree of nitridation. For example, the first cover layer (120b) can be provided in gold, blue, purple, etc. depending on the degree of nitridation. Therefore, the embodiment can provide a smart IC card having a contact surface of various colors by controlling the degree of nitridation of the first cover layer (120b), thereby further improving product satisfaction and further improving design freedom.

[0114] The second cover layer (120c) may be positioned at a different location from the location where the first cover layer (120b) is positioned. For example, the second cover layer (120c) may be provided on the bonding surface of the metal layer (120a) that is not covered by the first cover layer (120b). The second cover layer (120c) may be positioned on the lower surface of the metal layer (120a).

[0115] That is, at least a portion of the lower surface of the metal layer (120a) of each of the first to eighth pads (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128) may overlap with the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) in the vertical direction. Accordingly, the region of the lower surface of the metal layer (120a) that overlaps with the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) in the vertical direction may not be covered by the first cover layer (120b) and the substrate (110). In addition, the second cover layer (120c) can be placed on the lower surface of the metal layer (120a) that is vertically overlapped with the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8).

[0116] That is, the second cover layer (120c) can be placed within the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8). For example, the second cover layer (120c) can be placed within the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) to cover the lower surface of the metal layer (120a).

[0117] The second cover layer (120c) may include a metal material different from the metal material constituting the first cover layer (120b). The second cover layer (120c) may include a metal material having a hardness different from the hardness of the metal material constituting the first cover layer (120b). For example, the second cover layer (120c) may include a first layer (120c1) and a second layer (120c2).

[0118] The first layer (120c1) and the second layer (120c2) of the second cover layer (120c) are arranged on the lower surface of the metal layer (120a), thereby providing a wire bonding property of a certain level or higher required to the bonding surface of the conductive pattern portion (120).

[0119] The first layer (120c1) of the second cover layer (120c) may be disposed on the lower surface of the metal layer (120a). The first layer (120c1) of the second cover layer (120c) may be in direct contact with the lower surface of the metal layer (120a). The first layer (120c1) of the second cover layer (120c) may include nickel. The first layer (120c1) of the second cover layer (120c) may mean a seed layer for forming the second layer (120c2). The first layer (120c1) of the second cover layer (120c) may be a barrier layer that prevents the metal material constituting the metal layer (120a) from diffusing into the second layer (120c2). Additionally, the first layer (120c1) of the second cover layer (120c) may be an oxidation prevention layer that prevents oxidation of the metal layer (120a).

[0120] The second layer (120c2) of the second cover layer (120c) may be disposed on the lower surface of the first layer (120c1) of the second cover layer (120c). The second layer (120c2) of the second cover layer (120c) may provide a wire bonding property of a certain level or higher required for the bonding surface of the conductive pattern portion (120). The second layer (120c2) of the second cover layer (120c) may include at least one of gold (Au) and silver (Ag).

[0121] A dummy pattern portion (DP) may be further provided on one side (110S1) of the substrate (110). The dummy pattern portion (DP) may include the same material as the first conductive pattern portion (120), and preferably, may have the same layer structure as the first conductive pattern portion (120). The dummy pattern portion (DP) may be electrically spaced from the first conductive pattern portion (120), thereby improving the rigidity of the smart IC substrate (100). In addition, the dummy pattern portion (DP) may be provided at a corner region of the one side (110S1) of the substrate (110) to improve process characteristics in the assembly process of the smart IC substrate (100). For example, the dummy pattern portion (DP) may include first to fourth dummy patterns (DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4) respectively provided at a corner region of the one side (110S1) of the substrate (110).

[0122] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4, the smart IC substrate according to the second embodiment may further include a first adhesive layer (140). The first adhesive layer (140) may be disposed between one surface (110S1) of the substrate (110) and the conductive pattern portion (120). For example, the first adhesive layer (140) may be disposed between one surface of the substrate (110) and the lower surface of the metal layer (120a).

[0123] The first adhesive layer (140) may be provided for bonding between the conductive pattern portion (120) and the substrate (110). The first adhesive layer (140) may be referred to as a bonding sheet. The first adhesive layer (140) may be provided for bonding a copper foil layer (not shown), which is a metal layer prior to implementing a circuit such as the conductive pattern portion (120), to one surface (110S1) of the substrate (110).

[0124] For example, as in the first embodiment, the conductive pattern portion (120) may be placed directly on one surface of the substrate (110) without the first adhesive layer (140). However, in order to further improve the adhesion between the substrate (110) and the conductive pattern portion (120), a first adhesive layer (140) may be additionally placed between the substrate (110) and the conductive pattern portion (120).

[0125] The first adhesive layer (140) comprises a resin material. For example, the first adhesive layer (140) may comprise at least one of an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, and a polyimide resin. In addition, the first adhesive layer (140) may comprise at least one additive selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, a plasticizer, a curing agent, and a phosphorus-based flame retardant. In this case, the flexibility of the first adhesive layer (140) may be improved.

[0126] The first adhesive layer (140) may have a thickness (T1) within a set range. For example, the thickness (T1) of the first adhesive layer (140) may be 8 μm to 35 μm, 10 μm to 30 μm, or 12 μm to 25 μm. If the thickness (T1) of the first adhesive layer (140) is less than 8 μm, the adhesive strength of the first adhesive layer (140) may decrease, thereby causing the first conductive pattern portion (120) to be separated from the first adhesive layer (140). In addition, if the thickness (T1) of the first adhesive layer (140) exceeds 35 μm, the thickness of the smart IC substrate or the thickness of the smart IC card may increase.

[0127] At this time, a plurality of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) may be provided to penetrate the substrate (110) and the first adhesive layer (140). For example, the plurality of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) may penetrate from one surface of the first adhesive layer (140) to the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110). For example, the plurality of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) may be formed through a process such as punching while the first adhesive layer (140) is disposed on the substrate (110), thereby commonly penetrating the substrate (110) and the first adhesive layer (140).

[0128] The planar area of ​​the first adhesive layer (140) may correspond to the planar area of ​​the substrate (110). For example, the first adhesive layer (140) may entirely cover one side (110S1) of the substrate (110). Accordingly, the rigidity of the substrate (110) may be further improved.

[0129] At this time, when the smart IC substrate includes the first adhesive layer (140), the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) may be provided to penetrate the first adhesive layer (140) together with the substrate (110). For example, in the case of the second embodiment, the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) may include a first portion penetrating the substrate (110) and a second portion penetrating the first adhesive layer (140) while being connected to the first portion described above.

[0130] According to the second embodiment, by additionally disposing a first adhesive layer (140) between the substrate (110) and the conductive pattern portion (120), the adhesion between the substrate (110) and the conductive pattern portion (120) can be further improved. Accordingly, the physical reliability and / or electrical reliability of the smart IC substrate can be further improved.

[0131] At this time, the substrate (110) may have different surface properties on one side (110S1) and the other side (110S2). For example, one side (110S1) of the substrate (110) is a surface that comes into contact with the conductive pattern portion (120) or the adhesive layer (140). Therefore, the one side (110S1) of the substrate (110) requires surface properties that can improve adhesion with the conductive pattern portion (120) or the adhesive layer (140). In contrast, the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110) requires surface properties that can improve adhesion with the molding member in the molding process performed in a subsequent process. Furthermore, the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110) requires surface properties that can prevent the molding member from flowing out to the area where the chip is not placed while allowing the molding member to be placed only in the local area where the chip is placed.

[0132] Here, the general substrate (110) may have excellent adhesion with the conductive pattern portion (120) or the adhesive layer (140), but may have relatively low adhesion with the molding member. Furthermore, the substrate (110) has uniform characteristics over the entire surface area, and thus, it may be difficult to selectively place the molding member only in a specific area of ​​the substrate (110).

[0133] Accordingly, the embodiment can perform surface treatment on the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110), thereby modifying the surface of the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110). For example, the embodiment can perform dry surface treatment. Specifically, the embodiment can modify the surface of the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110) through plasma treatment. At this time, the smart IC substrate can be manufactured through a roll-to-roll process, and therefore, plasma treatment under vacuum conditions may be difficult due to the characteristics of the roll-to-roll process. Therefore, the embodiment can perform surface treatment of the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110) by performing atmospheric pressure plasma.

[0134] Through this, the embodiment can improve the adhesion with the molding member through surface modification of the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110), thereby enabling the molding member to stably mold the chip.

[0135] At this time, the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) may be surface-modified to have hydrophilicity. Accordingly, the hydrophilicity of one surface (110S1) of the substrate (110) may be different from the hydrophilicity of the other surface of the substrate (110). Preferably, the hydrophilicity of one surface (110S1) of the substrate (110) may be lower than the hydrophilicity of the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110).

[0136] For example, the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) may be provided with a relatively high proportion of hydrophilic functional groups. Specifically, the proportion of hydrophilic functional groups on the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) may be different from the proportion of hydrophilic functional groups on one surface (110S1) of the substrate (110). That is, the proportion of hydrophilic functional groups on the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) may be greater than the proportion of hydrophilic functional groups on the one surface (110S1) of the substrate (110). Here, the hydrophilic functional groups may include CO, C=O, and OC=O.

[0137] Specifically, the ratio of at least one of CO, C=O, and OC=O on the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110) may be greater than the ratio of at least one of CO, C=O, and OC=O on one side (110S1) of the substrate (110).

[0138] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the surface treatment may be performed on the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110), and the surface treatment may not be performed on one side (110S1) of the substrate (110). Accordingly, the surface of the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110) may be modified to have hydrophilicity. For example, the other side (110S2) before the surface treatment may have a relatively high ratio of CC functional groups. At this time, when the surface treatment is performed, the CC functional groups may be substituted with at least one of CO, C=O, and OC=O, and thereby the ratio of CO, C=O, and OC=O may increase.

[0139] At this time, the ratio of functional groups on one side (110S1) of the substrate (110) and the ratio of functional groups on the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110) are as shown in Table 1 below. Here, the ratio of functional groups can be measured using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

[0140] C-CC-OC=OO-C=O One side of sample 1 66.2% 27.1% 6.2% 0.5% Other side of sample 1 61.4% 28.0% 8.3% 2.3% One side of sample 2 63.2% 29.0% 6.3% 1.5% Other side of sample 2 59.9% 29.5% 6.8% 4.4%

[0141] Referring to Table 1, the ratio of CC on one side (110S1) of the substrate (110) for Sample 1 may be greater than the ratio of CC on the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110). Conversely, the ratio of at least one functional group among CO, C=O, and OC=O on the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110) for Sample 1 may be greater than the ratio of at least one functional group among CO, C=O, and OC=O on the one side (110S1) of the substrate (110). Preferably, the ratio of each of the functional groups among CO, C=O, and OC=O on the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110) for Sample 1 may be greater than the ratio of each of the functional groups among CO, C=O, and OC=O on the one side (110S1) of the substrate (110). More preferably, the ratio of the OC=O functional group on the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110) for sample 1 may be greater than the ratio of the OC=O functional group on one side (110S1) of the substrate (110). Here, also, the ratio of CC on the one side (110S1) of the substrate (110) for sample 2 may be greater than the ratio of CC on the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110). Alternatively, the ratio of at least one of CO, C=O, and OC=O functional groups on the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110) for sample 1 may be greater than the ratio of at least one of CO, C=O, and OC=O functional groups on the one side (110S1) of the substrate (110). Preferably, the ratio of each of the CO, C=O, and OC=O functional groups on the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110) for sample 2 may be greater than the ratio of each of the CO, C=O, and OC=O functional groups on one side (110S1) of the substrate (110). More preferably, the ratio of the OC=O functional group on the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110) for sample 2 may be greater than the ratio of the OC=O functional group on one side (110S1) of the substrate (110).Here, the functional group that has the greatest influence on hydrophilicity is the OC=O functional group, and accordingly, the embodiment can increase the proportion of the OC=O functional group through surface treatment.

[0142] For example, the ratio of the OC=O functional group on the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110) may be 1.3 times or more, 1.5 times or more, 1.8 times or more, 2.0 times or more, 3 times or more, or 4 times or more the ratio of the OC=O functional group on one side (110S1) of the substrate (110).

[0143] Here, if the ratio of the OC=O functional group on the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) is less than 1.3 times the ratio of the OC=O functional group on one surface (110S1) of the substrate (110), it may mean that the surface modification change on the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) due to the surface treatment has not been completely achieved, and thus the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) may not have hydrophilicity. Furthermore, if the ratio of the OC=O functional group on the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) is less than 1.3 times the ratio of the OC=O functional group on one surface (110S1) of the substrate (110), the adhesion with the molding member may be reduced, and thus the chip may not be stably protected by the molding member.

[0144] Meanwhile, in the embodiment, when surface treatment of the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110), surface treatment can also be performed on the inside of the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) penetrating the substrate (110).

[0145] At this time, the inner side of the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) can be filled with a molding member after connection with a connecting member such as a wire, thereby further improving the adhesion property with the molding member. Accordingly, the surface properties of the inner wall of the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) of the substrate (110) can correspond to the surface properties of the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) and can be different from the surface properties of one surface (110S1) of the substrate (110).

[0146] Furthermore, the embodiment may be such that the surface energy of the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) is higher than the surface energy of the one surface (110S1) of the substrate (110) through surface treatment. For example, the surface energy of the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) may be greater than 1.3 times, greater than 1.5 times, greater than 1.7 times, or greater than 2 times the surface energy of the one surface (110S1) of the substrate (110). That is, the embodiment may be such that the surface energy of the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) is higher than the surface energy of the one surface of the substrate (110), thereby improving the adhesion between the substrate (110) and the molding member.

[0147] Furthermore, when performing surface treatment, the embodiment can increase the surface energy by increasing the hydrophilic functional group on the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) through surface modification as described above, and further, can prevent other characteristics from changing.

[0148] Referring to Fig. 6a, before surface treatment may mean a state before surface treatment of the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110), or may mean a state of one side (110S1) of the substrate (110). In addition, after surface treatment may mean a state after surface treatment of the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110).

[0149] At this time, the surface roughness of the substrate (110) before surface treatment and the surface roughness of the substrate (110) after surface treatment may correspond to each other. At this time, correspondence may mean that the surface roughness of the substrate (110) before surface treatment satisfies a range of 95% to 105% of the surface roughness of the substrate (110) after surface treatment.

[0150] Furthermore, the surface energy of the substrate (110) before surface treatment may be 40.61 (nyne / cm), and the surface energy of the substrate (110) after surface treatment may be 70.19 (nyne / cm). At this time, the surface energy may be obtained by using the OWRK formula (The Owens-Wendt-Rabel-Kaeble) based on the value measured using the Kruss DSA30S equipment.

[0151] That is, in the surface state before and after surface treatment, the ratio of hydrophilic functional groups and the surface energy value can increase while the surface roughness remains substantially unchanged.

[0152] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 6b, it can be seen that there is no significant difference between the surface property ratio of the second layer (120c2) of the second cover layer (120c) before surface treatment and the surface property ratio of the second layer (120c2) of the second cover layer (120c) after surface treatment. That is, there is no change in the property of the second layer (120c2) of the second cover layer (120c) exposed through the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) due to the surface treatment, and thus, stable wire bonding can be enabled.

[0153] Referring to Fig. 7, it was confirmed that the thickness deviation of the molding member after surface treatment was reduced as in the embodiment, and it was confirmed that the molding characteristics were further improved accordingly. Specifically, it was confirmed that there was a difference as follows between the thickness value measured using a micrometer of the molding member before surface treatment and the thickness value measured using a micrometer of the molding member after surface treatment.

[0154] Before surface treatment After surface treatment Quantity 500500 Average value 492485 Stdev 75 -3 sigma 470470 +3 sigma 514499 Sigma range 4429 Minimum value 470470 Maximum value 513496 Range 4326

[0155] As shown in Table 2, the results of the thickness evaluation of the molding member after surface treatment confirmed that the deviation (Stdev) was reduced compared to the original, and accordingly, the deviation according to the difference between -3 sigma and +3 sigma, and the deviation in the distribution of maximum and minimum values ​​were confirmed to have been reduced.

[0156]

[0157] Meanwhile, the embodiment can perform surface treatment on a local area of ​​the other surface of the substrate (110) through atmospheric pressure plasma treatment.

[0158] Specifically, the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) may include a first region (110S2R1) surrounded by through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8). The first region (110S2R1) may be a region surrounded by through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8). For example, the first region (110S2R1) may refer to a region where a chip is placed and a region where a molding member for molding the chip is placed.

[0159] In addition, the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) may include a second region (110S2R2) excluding the first region (110S2R1). The second region (110S2R2) of the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) may be an outer region of the first region (110S2R1). The second region (110S2R2) of the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) may be a region that does not come into contact with the molding member. The second region (110S2R2) of the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) may be a region that does not affect the molding characteristics.

[0160] Accordingly, the embodiment can perform intensive surface treatment on the first region (110S2R1) of the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110), and accordingly, the first region (110S2R1) and the second region (110S2R2) of the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) can have different surface characteristics.

[0161] For example, the ratio of hydrophilic functional groups on the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) of the embodiment may change from the first region (110S2R1) to the second region (110S2R2). Preferably, the ratio of hydrophilic functional groups may decrease from the first region (110S2R1) to the second region (110S2R2). More preferably, the ratio of hydrophilic functional groups in the first region (110S2R1) may be smaller than the ratio of hydrophilic functional groups in the second region (110S2R2).

[0162] In addition, the surface energy of the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) of the embodiment may change from the first region (110S2R1) to the second region (110S2R2). Preferably, the surface energy may decrease from the first region (110S2R1) to the second region (110S2R2). More preferably, the surface energy in the first region (110S2R1) may be lower than the surface energy in the second region (110S2R2).

[0163] Accordingly, when forming a molding member on the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110), the embodiment can ensure that the molding member is stably placed in the first region (110S2R1) of the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110), and further prevent the molding member from flowing into the second region (110S2R2). Through this, the embodiment can protect the chip more stably, thereby enabling the chip to operate more stably.

[0164] Hereinafter, smart IC substrates according to the third to sixth embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11. At this time, the smart IC substrates of FIGS. 8 to 11 may have differences in the material of the metal layer (120a) constituting the conductive pattern portion (120) compared to the smart IC substrates of FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 8, a smart IC substrate according to the third embodiment includes a metal layer (120a) disposed on one surface of a substrate (110).

[0166] At this time, the metal layer (120a) may include a binary alloy or a ternary alloy, unlike the metal layers of the first to third embodiments.

[0167] For example, the metal layer (120a) may include an alloy containing nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), and chromium (Cr). For example, the metal layer (120a) may include a Monel series alloy or an Inconel series alloy. Specifically, the metal layer (120a) may be a nickel (Ni)-chromium (Cr)-iron (Fe) alloy containing nickel as a main component and chromium and iron. In the alloy, the main component is defined as a metal having the largest weight percent among a plurality of metals constituting the alloy.

[0168] Alternatively, the metal layer (120a) may include a sus series alloy. Specifically, the metal layer (120a) may be an iron (Fe)-chromium (Cr)-nickel (Ni) alloy containing iron as a main component and chromium and nickel.

[0169] When the metal layer (120a) is formed of a nickel (Ni)-chromium (Cr)-iron (Fe) alloy or an iron (Fe)-chromium (Cr)-nickel (Ni) alloy as described above, a portion of the cover layer disposed on the metal layer (120a) may be omitted. For example, the metal layer (120a) including a nickel (Ni)-chromium (Cr)-iron (Fe) alloy or an iron (Fe)-chromium (Cr)-nickel (Ni) alloy may have a certain level or higher of corrosion resistance, wear resistance, oxidation resistance, and hardness. Therefore, when the metal layer (120a) includes a nickel (Ni)-chromium (Cr)-iron (Fe) alloy or an iron (Fe)-chromium (Cr)-nickel (Ni) alloy, the first cover layer (120b) described in the previous embodiment may be omitted.

[0170] However, when the metal layer (120a) includes a nickel (Ni)-chromium (Cr)-iron (Fe) alloy or an iron (Fe)-chromium (Cr)-nickel (Ni) alloy and the first cover layer (120b) is omitted, the contact surface of the conductive pattern portion (120) may not have a gold color. In this case, design satisfaction may be reduced, and thus user satisfaction may be reduced.

[0171] Accordingly, the embodiment can provide the first cover layer (120b) even if the metal layer (120a) includes a nickel (Ni)-chromium (Cr)-iron (Fe) alloy or an iron (Fe)-chromium (Cr)-nickel (Ni) alloy. This can improve design satisfaction and further enhance user comfort.

[0172] At this time, if the metal layer (120a) includes a nickel (Ni)-chromium (Cr)-iron (Fe) alloy or an iron (Fe)-chromium (Cr)-nickel (Ni) alloy, the metal layer (120a) may be provided by a rolling process. In this case, the surface roughness of the metal layer (120a) may be reduced, thereby lowering the adhesion with the substrate (110).

[0173] Accordingly, a buffer layer (160) may be disposed between one surface (110S1) of the substrate (110) and the metal layer (120a). The buffer layer (160) may include a first buffer layer (161) and a second buffer layer (162). The first buffer layer (161) may be disposed on one surface (110S1) of the substrate (110). The second buffer layer (162) may be disposed on the first buffer layer (161). That is, the second buffer layer (162) is disposed between the first buffer layer (161) and the metal layer (120a).

[0174] The first buffer layer (161) may include a metal. For example, the first buffer layer (161) may include copper (Cu). The adhesion between the metal layer (120a) and the substrate (110) is improved by the first buffer layer (161).

[0175] Additionally, the second buffer layer (162) may include a metal. For example, the second buffer layer (162) may include nickel. The adhesion between the metal layer (120a) and the first buffer layer (161) may be improved by the second buffer layer (162).

[0176] The first buffer layer (161) may be divided into a plurality of regions along the thickness direction. For example, the first buffer layer (161) may be divided into an upper region adjacent to the second buffer layer (162), and a lower region adjacent to one surface (110S1) of the substrate (110).

[0177] The upper region of the first buffer layer (161) may include a metal. That is, the upper region of the first buffer layer (161) is a metal layer. For example, the upper region of the first buffer layer (161) may include copper. The lower region of the first buffer layer (161) may include a metal oxide. That is, the lower region of the first buffer layer (161) is a metal oxide layer. For example, the lower region of the first buffer layer (161) may include copper oxide.

[0178] The lower region of the first buffer layer (161) may be formed by oxidizing a portion of the first buffer layer (161). The surface roughness of the lower region of the first buffer layer (161) may be increased by the oxidation process. That is, the surface roughness of the lower region of the first buffer layer (161) facing one side (110S1) of the substrate (110) may be greater than the surface roughness of the upper region of the first buffer layer (161). In detail, the surface roughness of the lower region of the first buffer layer (161) may be greater than the surface roughness of the metal layer (120a). In addition, the surface roughness of the lower region of the first buffer layer (161) may be greater than the surface roughness of the first buffer layer.

[0179] The thickness of the lower region of the first buffer layer (161) may be smaller than the thickness of the upper region of the first buffer layer (161). For example, the thickness of the lower region of the first buffer layer (161) may be 20% or less, 10% or less, or 5% or less of the total thickness of the first buffer layer (161). In addition, the adhesion between the first buffer layer (161) and one surface (110S1) of the substrate (110) may be further improved by utilizing the lower region of the first buffer layer (161c).

[0180] At this time, the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) of the smart IC substrate of the fourth embodiment may further penetrate the buffer layer (160). For example, the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) may include a first portion penetrating the substrate (110) and a second portion penetrating the buffer layer (160). According to an embodiment, a first adhesive layer may further be disposed between the buffer layer (160) and the substrate (110), and in this case, the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) may penetrate the first adhesive layer.

[0181] In addition, the second cover layer (120c) of the smart IC substrate according to the third embodiment may be disposed within the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8). At this time, the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) may penetrate the buffer layer (160) and have a second portion, and the second cover layer (120c) may be disposed within the second portion of the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8).

[0182] At this time, the first cover layer (120b) in one embodiment may be disposed only on the upper surface of the metal layer (120a). Alternatively, the first cover layer (120b) in another embodiment may extend from the upper surface of the metal layer (120a) to cover at least a portion of the side surface of the metal layer (120a) and at least a portion of the side surface of the buffer layer (160).

[0183] Referring to FIG. 9, the smart IC substrate of the fourth embodiment may be different from the smart IC substrate of the third embodiment in that through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) are not provided in the buffer layer (160).

[0184] The lower surface of the buffer layer (160) in the smart IC substrate of the fourth embodiment may overlap with the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) in the vertical direction. For example, the buffer layer (160) in the region that overlaps with the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) in the vertical direction may not be removed. In this case, a part of the lower surface of the buffer layer (160) may be exposed through the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8), and the second cover layer (120c) may be disposed on the lower surface of the buffer layer (160) exposed through the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8).

[0185] Referring to FIG. 10, the smart IC substrate of the fifth embodiment may be different from the smart IC substrate of the fourth embodiment in that through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) are provided in a portion of the buffer layer (160).

[0186] The lower surface of the buffer layer (160) in the smart IC substrate of the fifth embodiment may overlap with the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) in the vertical direction. For example, a part of the buffer layer (160) in the region that overlaps with the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) in the vertical direction may be removed.

[0187] That is, the buffer layer (160) may include a first buffer layer (161) and a second buffer layer (162). In addition, the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) may penetrate the first buffer layer (161) but not penetrate the second buffer layer (162). In this case, a part of the lower surface of the second buffer layer (162) may be exposed through the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8), and the second cover layer (120c) may be disposed on the lower surface of the second buffer layer (162) exposed through the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8).

[0188] Referring to FIG. 11, the smart IC substrate of the sixth embodiment can penetrate at least a portion of the metal layer (120a) while the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) penetrate the buffer layer (160) compared to the smart IC substrate of the fourth embodiment.

[0189] For example, the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) can penetrate the first buffer layer (161) and the second buffer layer (162) together with the substrate (110).

[0190] Additionally, the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) may penetrate a portion of the metal layer (120a). For example, the metal layer (120a) may include a recess (not shown) provided in an area that overlaps the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) along the vertical direction.

[0191] And, the second cover layer (120c) can be placed in the recess of the metal layer (120a) that is vertically overlapped with the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8).

[0192]

[0193] Below, a smart IC substrate according to another embodiment is described.

[0194] In particular, in the previous embodiments, a single-type smart IC substrate was described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. Hereinafter, a dual-type smart IC substrate in which conductive pattern portions are arranged on both sides of a substrate will be described with reference to the attached drawings. The dual-type smart IC substrate may have a structure in which, in the single-type smart IC substrate with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11, a conductive pattern portion (130, 135) and an adhesive layer (150) are additionally arranged on the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110).

[0195] Accordingly, the following describes a dual type smart IC substrate by assigning the same symbols as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 11.

[0196] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the other side of a smart IC substrate according to the seventh embodiment, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' direction of FIG. 12 according to the seventh embodiment, FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' direction of FIG. 12 according to the eighth embodiment, and FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining changes in surface characteristics according to surface treatment.

[0197] Referring to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, the smart IC substrate (100) may include a substrate (110), a first conductive pattern portion (120), a second conductive pattern portion (130, 135), and an adhesive layer (150). The conductive pattern portion of the smart IC substrate (100) may be a dual type in which the first conductive pattern portion (120) and the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) are arranged on one surface and the other surface of the substrate (110), respectively.

[0198] The first conductive pattern portion (120) may be arranged on one surface (110S1) of the substrate (110). That is, the first conductive pattern portion (120) may be the conductive pattern portion described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11, and thus, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0199] At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, the first conductive pattern portion (120) may be arranged in direct contact with one surface of the substrate (110). In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, the smart IC substrate may further include a first adhesive layer (140). The first adhesive layer (140) may be arranged between one surface (110S1) of the substrate (110) and the first conductive pattern portion (120). For example, the first adhesive layer (140) may be arranged between one surface of the substrate (110) and the lower surface of the metal layer (120a).

[0200] In addition, the smart IC substrate may further include a second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) arranged on the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110). The second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) may be arranged spaced apart from the first conductive pattern portion (120) with the substrate (110) interposed therebetween. The second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) may be an antenna pad for an antenna function. For example, the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) may be an antenna pad that electrically connects a chip mounted on the smart IC substrate (100) and an antenna pattern.

[0201] At this time, the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) may be formed in a different manner from the first conductive pattern portion (120), but is not limited thereto. For example, the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) may be formed by etching a copper layer in the same manner as the first conductive pattern portion (120). Alternatively, the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) may be attached to the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) in a pick and place manner, unlike the first conductive pattern portion (120). For example, the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) may be formed on a separate structure and then attached to the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110).

[0202] To this end, a second adhesive layer (150) may be provided between the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) and the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135). The second adhesive layer (150) may provide adhesive strength for attaching the pre-manufactured second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) to the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110).

[0203] In this way, the embodiment can form the first conductive pattern portion (120) and the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) on one side (110S1) and the other side (110S2) of the substrate (110) in different ways, respectively. Therefore, the embodiment can solve the problem that the manufacturing process of the double-sided wiring structure is complicated due to the product structure characteristics of the smart IC substrate (100), and the manufacturing cost increases as the product yield decreases. That is, the embodiment can simplify the manufacturing process of the smart IC substrate (100) by forming the antenna pattern by attaching the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) manufactured in advance to the substrate (110). Furthermore, the embodiment can easily adjust the attachment position of the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) according to various product designs, can be applied to products of various designs, and can improve the degree of design freedom accordingly. Furthermore, the embodiment can reduce manufacturing costs by simplifying the process, and further improve product yield.

[0204] The second adhesive layer (150) may be provided entirely on the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110). The second adhesive layer (150) may be provided in the area where the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) is arranged on the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) and in the area where the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) is not arranged.

[0205] In addition, the second adhesive layer (150) may have a predetermined thickness (T2). For example, the second adhesive layer (150) may be greater than the thickness (T1) of the first adhesive layer (140). For example, the thickness (T2) of the second adhesive layer (150) may satisfy a range of 105% to 220%, or 110% to 210%, or 115% to 200% of the thickness (T1) of the first adhesive layer (140). That is, the embodiment allows the thickness (T2) of the second adhesive layer (150) to be greater than the thickness (T1) of the first adhesive layer (140), thereby enabling the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) to be more stably attached to the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110), thereby improving product reliability. Furthermore, the embodiment can reduce the height difference between the terminal of the chip and the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) by the difference in the thicknesses (T1, T2) described above by making the thickness (T2) of the second adhesive layer (150) greater than the thickness (T1) of the first adhesive layer (140). Therefore, the embodiment can improve the process characteristics in the process of wire-bonding the terminal of the chip and the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135), and can further improve the wire bonding reliability accordingly. At this time, if the thickness (T2) of the second adhesive layer (150) is less than 105% of the thickness (T1) of the first adhesive layer (140), the product reliability improvement effect and the process characteristic improvement effect as described above may be insufficient. Additionally, if the thickness (T2) of the second adhesive layer (150) exceeds 200% of the thickness (T1) of the first adhesive layer (140), the thickness of the smart IC substrate (100) may increase.

[0206] The second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) can be attached to the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) by adhesive force provided through the second adhesive layer (150). The second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) can have a predetermined width (W2) and thickness (W3).

[0207] At this time, the embodiment can form the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) by attaching the pre-manufactured conductive pattern as described above, and thus, formation is possible without restrictions on the width (W2) of the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135). To this end, the embodiment makes the width (W2) of the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) larger than the width (W1) of the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8). For example, the width (W2) of the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) can be larger than the width of the lower surface of the first conductive pattern portion (120) exposed through the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8). For example, the width (W2) of the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) may be either the width in the longitudinal direction and / or the width in the width direction. The width (W2) of the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) may satisfy a range of 105% to 220%, or a range of 110% to 210%, or a range of 120% to 200% of the width (W1) of the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8).

[0208] In the embodiment, the width (W2) of the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) is made larger than the width (W2) of the first conductive pattern portion (120), thereby increasing the contact area between the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) and the second adhesive layer (150), increasing their bonding strength, and thereby enabling the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) to be more stably attached to the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110). Through this, the embodiment can further improve product reliability. In addition, in the embodiment, the width (W2) of the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) is made larger than the width (W2) of the first conductive pattern portion (120), thereby increasing the allowable current of the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135), thereby improving antenna characteristics.

[0209] At this time, if the width (W2) of the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) is less than 105% of the width (W1) of the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8), the product reliability improvement effect and / or antenna characteristic improvement effect as described above may be insufficient. In addition, if the width (W2) of the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) exceeds 220% of the width (W1) of the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8), the thickness of the smart IC substrate (100) may increase.

[0210] In addition, the thickness (T3) of the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) may be different from the thickness of the first conductive pattern portion (120). Preferably, the thickness (T3) of the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) may satisfy a range of 105% to 220% of the thickness of the first conductive pattern portion (120). In this case, the thickness of the first conductive pattern portion (120) may mean the thickness of the metal layer (120a), or may mean the sum of the thicknesses of the metal layer (120a), the first conductive layer (120b), and the second conductive layer (120c) in the vertical direction. In the embodiment, the thickness (T3) of the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) is made larger than the thickness of the first conductive pattern portion (120), thereby improving the allowable current of the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135), and thus further improving the antenna characteristics. In addition, in the embodiment, the thickness (T3) of the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) is made larger than the thickness of the first conductive pattern portion (120), thereby reducing the step between the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) and the terminal of the chip, thereby improving the wire bonding process characteristics. Therefore, the embodiment can improve the product reliability of the smart IC substrate (100).

[0211] At this time, the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) may be provided as an alloy. For example, the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) may be provided as a Cu / Sn / Ag alloy, a Fe / Ni / Ag alloy, or a Cu / Sn / Ag / Al / Ni alloy.

[0212] The second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) may include a plurality of pads that are electrically spaced apart from each other. For example, the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) may include a first antenna pad (130) and a second antenna pad (135) that is electrically spaced apart from the first antenna pad (130). For example, the first antenna pad (130) may be a pad to which positive polarity power is applied, and the second antenna pad (135) may be a pad to which negative polarity power is applied.

[0213] Each of the first antenna pad (130) and the second antenna pad (135) can be divided into a plurality of parts. At this time, the first antenna pad (130) and the second antenna pad (135) can be referred to as lower pads placed on the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110).

[0214] The first antenna pad (130) may include a first portion (131) that is positioned most adjacent to the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) without overlapping with the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) in a vertical direction. The first portion (131) of the first antenna pad (130) may be a wire bonding area for electrically connecting with a terminal of the chip.

[0215] The first antenna pad (130) may include a second portion (132) of the first antenna pad (130) that is located further from the through-holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) than the first portion (131) of the first antenna pad (130). The second portion (132) of the first antenna pad (130) may be an area closest to the edge of the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) in the first antenna pad (130). The second portion (132) of the first antenna pad (130) may be a terminal area for connection with an antenna pattern (not shown).

[0216] The first antenna pad (130) may include a third portion (133) connecting the first portion (131) and the second portion (132). The third portion (133) of the first antenna pad (130) may electrically connect the first portion (131) and the second portion (132) of the first antenna pad (130) while spacing them apart from each other by a predetermined distance. For example, the third portion (133) of the first antenna pad (130) may facilitate an electrical connection process with a chip in the first portion (131) of the first antenna pad (130) and a connection process with an antenna pattern in the second portion (132) of the first antenna pad (130) at predetermined distances, respectively.

[0217] The second antenna pad (135) may include a first portion (136) of the second antenna pad (135) that is positioned most adjacent to the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) without overlapping with the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) in a vertical direction. The first portion (136) of the second antenna pad (135) may be a wire bonding area for electrically connecting to a terminal of the chip.

[0218] The second antenna pad (135) may include a second portion (137) of the second antenna pad (135) that is located further from the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) than the first portion (136) of the second antenna pad (135). The second portion (137) of the second antenna pad (135) may be an area closest to the edge of the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) in the second antenna pad (135). The second portion (137) of the second antenna pad (135) may be a terminal area for connection with an antenna pattern (not shown).

[0219] The second antenna pad (136) may include a third portion (138) of the second antenna pad (135) that connects the first portion (136) of the second antenna pad (135) and the second portion (137) of the second antenna pad (135). The third portion (138) of the second antenna pad (135) may electrically connect the first portion (136) of the second antenna pad (135) and the second portion (137) of the second antenna pad (135) while spacing them apart from each other by a predetermined distance. For example, the third portion (138) of the second antenna pad (135) may facilitate an electrical connection process with a chip in the first portion (136) of the second antenna pad (135) and a connection process with an antenna pattern in the second portion (137) of the second antenna pad (135) at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0220] Meanwhile, the second adhesive layer (150) may be divided into a plurality of parts. For example, the second adhesive layer (150) may include a first part (150a) that does not vertically overlap with the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) or does not contact the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135). In addition, the second adhesive layer (150) may include a second part (150b) that vertically overlaps with the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) or contacts the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135).

[0221] At this time, the second adhesive layer (150) may have different surface properties in the first portion (150a) and the second portion (150b). For example, the second portion (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150) is a surface that comes into contact with the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135). Therefore, the second portion (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150) is required to have surface properties that can improve adhesion with the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135) that is a metal material. In contrast, the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) is a portion that comes into contact with the body portion of a future IC card or a portion where an adhesive member for coming into contact with the body portion is disposed. Therefore, the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) is required to have surface properties that can improve adhesion with the body portion or the adhesive member.

[0222] Here, the general second adhesive layer (150) has excellent adhesion with the second conductive pattern portion (130, 135), but may have relatively low adhesion with the body portion or adhesive member.

[0223] Accordingly, the embodiment may perform surface treatment on the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150), thereby modifying the surface of the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150). For example, the embodiment may perform dry surface treatment. Specifically, the embodiment may modify the surface of the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) through plasma treatment. At this time, the smart IC substrate may be manufactured through a roll-to-roll process, and therefore, plasma treatment under vacuum conditions may be difficult due to the characteristics of the roll-to-roll process. Therefore, the embodiment may perform surface treatment on the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) by performing atmospheric pressure plasma.

[0224] Through this, the embodiment can improve the adhesion with the body part or the adhesive member through surface modification of the first part (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150), thereby allowing the smart IC substrate to be stably bonded to the body part of the smart IC card.

[0225] At this time, the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) may be surface-modified to have hydrophilicity. Accordingly, the hydrophilicity of the second portion (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150) may be different from the hydrophilicity of the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150). Preferably, the hydrophilicity of the second portion (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150) may be lower than the hydrophilicity of the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150).

[0226] For example, the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) may be provided with a relatively high proportion of hydrophilic functional groups. Specifically, the proportion of hydrophilic functional groups in the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) may be different from the proportion of hydrophilic functional groups in the second portion (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150). That is, the proportion of hydrophilic functional groups in the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) may be greater than the proportion of hydrophilic functional groups in the second portion (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150). Here, the hydrophilic functional groups may include CO, C=O, and OC=O.

[0227] Specifically, the ratio of at least one of CO, C=O, and OC=O in the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) may be greater than the ratio of at least one of CO, C=O, and OC=O in the second portion (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150).

[0228] For example, the surface treatment may be performed on the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150), and the surface treatment may not be performed on the second portion (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150). Accordingly, the surface of the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) may be modified to have hydrophilicity. For example, the first portion (150a) before the surface treatment may have a relatively high ratio of CC functional groups. At this time, when the surface treatment is performed, the CC functional groups may be substituted with at least one of CO, C=O, and OC=O, and thereby the ratio of CO, C=O, and OC=O may increase.

[0229] At this time, the ratio of the functional group in the second part (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150) and the ratio of the functional group in the first part (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) are as shown in Table 3 below. Here, the ratio of the functional group can be measured using an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

[0230] C-CC-OC=OO-C=O Before surface treatment or the second adhesive layer, the second part 68.8% 24.61% 1.1% 5.5% After surface treatment or the first part of the second adhesive layer 47.5% 31.0% 7.8% 13.6%

[0231] Referring to Table 3, the ratio of CC in the second part (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150) may be greater than the ratio of CC in the first part (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150). Alternatively, the ratio of at least one functional group among CO, C=O, and OC=O in the first part (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) may be greater than the ratio of at least one functional group among CO, C=O, and OC=O in the second part (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150). Preferably, the ratio of each of the functional groups among CO, C=O, and OC=O in the first part (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) may be greater than the ratio of each of the functional groups among CO, C=O, and OC=O in the second part (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150). More preferably, the ratio of the OC=O functional group in the first part (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) may be greater than the ratio of the OC=O functional group in the second part (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150). Here, the functional group that has the greatest influence on hydrophilicity is the OC=O functional group, and accordingly, the embodiment may increase the ratio of the OC=O functional group through surface treatment.

[0232] For example, the ratio of the OC=O functional group in the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) may be 1.3 times or more, 1.5 times or more, 1.8 times or more, 2.0 times or more, 3 times or more, or 4 times or more the ratio of the OC=O functional group in the second portion (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150).

[0233] Here, if the ratio of the OC=O functional group in the first part (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) is less than 1.3 times the ratio of the OC=O functional group in the second part (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150), it may mean that the surface modification change in the first part (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) due to the surface treatment has not been completely achieved, and thus the first part (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) may not have hydrophilicity. Furthermore, if the ratio of the OC=O functional group in the first part (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) is less than 1.3 times the ratio of the OC=O functional group in the second part (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150), the adhesion with the body or the adhesive member may be reduced, and thus the smart IC substrate may not be stably coupled to the smart IC card.

[0234] Meanwhile, in the embodiment, when surface treating the first part (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150), surface treating can also be performed on the inside of the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) penetrating the second adhesive layer (150).

[0235] At this time, the inner side of the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) can be filled with a molding member after the connection with a connecting member such as a wire, thereby further improving the adhesion property with the molding member. Accordingly, the surface property of the inner wall of the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) of the second adhesive layer (150) can correspond to the surface property of the first part (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) and can be different from the surface property of the second part (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150).

[0236] Furthermore, the embodiment may be such that the surface energy of the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) is higher than the surface energy of the second portion (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150) through surface treatment. For example, the surface energy of the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) may be greater than 1.3 times, greater than 1.5 times, greater than 1.7 times, greater than 2 times, greater than 3 times, or greater than 3.5 times the surface energy of the second portion (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150). That is, the embodiment may be such that the surface energy of the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) is higher than the surface energy of one surface of the second adhesive layer (150), thereby improving the adhesion between the second adhesive layer (150) and the body portion.

[0237] Furthermore, when performing surface treatment, the embodiment can increase the surface energy by increasing the hydrophilic functional group in the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) through surface modification as described above, and further, can prevent other characteristics from changing.

[0238] Referring to Fig. 15, before surface treatment may mean a state before surface treatment of the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150), or may mean a state of the second portion (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150). In addition, after surface treatment may mean a state after surface treatment of the first portion (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150).

[0239] At this time, the surface roughness of the second adhesive layer (150) before surface treatment and the surface roughness of the second adhesive layer (150) after surface treatment may correspond to each other. At this time, correspondence may mean that the surface roughness of the second adhesive layer (150) before surface treatment satisfies a range of 95% to 105% of the surface roughness of the second adhesive layer (150) after surface treatment. That is, the surface roughness of the first part (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) that is surface treated and the surface roughness of the second part (150b) that is not surface treated may correspond to each other.

[0240] Furthermore, the surface energy of the second adhesive layer (150) before surface treatment may be 24.56 (nyne / cm), and the surface energy of the second adhesive layer (150) after surface treatment may be 73.38 (nyne / cm). At this time, the surface energy may be obtained by using the OWRK formula (The Owens-Wendt-Rabel-Kaeble) based on a value measured using a Kruss DSA30S device.

[0241] That is, in the surface state before and after surface treatment, the ratio of hydrophilic functional groups and the surface energy value can increase while the surface roughness remains substantially unchanged.

[0242] This means that the surface roughness of the first part (150a) and the second part (150b) of the second adhesive layer (150) may be substantially the same, while the ratio of the hydrophilic functional group and the surface energy value of the first part (150a) of the second adhesive layer (150) may be greater than the ratio of the hydrophilic functional group and the surface energy value of the second part (150b).

[0243]

[0244] Below, a smart IC module is described. The smart IC module may include a single-type smart IC substrate or a dual-type smart IC substrate. Below, a smart IC module including a dual-type smart IC substrate is described. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the smart IC module may include a single-type smart IC substrate.

[0245]

[0246] Fig. 16 is a plan view illustrating a smart IC module according to an embodiment, and Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a smart IC module according to an embodiment. Preferably, Fig. 16 may be a plan view illustrating another surface of the smart IC module in a state where a molding member is not arranged.

[0247] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a smart IC module (1000) may include a chip (1100) placed in a chip mounting area. Here, the chip mounting area may be an inner area of ​​an area surrounded by a plurality of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) on the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110).

[0248] At this time, an adhesive member (not shown) may be placed in the inner region described above, and the chip (1100) may be attached on the adhesive member described above.

[0249] The chip (1100) may include a plurality of terminals (not shown). For example, the chip (1100) may include first to eighth terminals.

[0250] In addition, it may include a connecting member (1200) that connects the terminals of the chip (1100) and the pads of the smart IC substrate (100). The connecting member (1200) may be a wire, but is not limited thereto. The connecting member (1200) may include first to eighth connecting members. For example, the connecting member (1200) may include first to eighth connecting members that connect the first to eighth pads (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128) exposed through a plurality of through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8) to the first to eighth terminals of the chip (1100), respectively.

[0251] At this time, the smart IC module (1000) may further include a molding member (1200). The molding member (1200) may mold the chip (1100). In addition, the molding member (1200) may mold the connection member (1200). Accordingly, the molding member (1200) may be provided to cover the chip (1100) and the connection member (1200) while filling the through holes (TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4, TH5, TH6, TH7, TH8).

[0252] Here, the embodiment can ensure that the molding member (1200) is stably placed in the first region (110S2R1) of the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110) through intensive surface treatment in the first region (110S2R1) of the other surface (110S2) of the substrate (110), and can prevent it from flowing to the second region (110S2R2) of the substrate (110).

[0253]

[0254] Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing a smart IC card according to an embodiment, and Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the smart IC card of Fig. 13.

[0255] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, a smart IC card (3000) according to an embodiment may include a main body (3100), a first protective layer (3210), and a second protective layer (3220).

[0256] The main body (3100) includes a receiving portion (3110). At this time, any one smart IC module (2000) according to FIGS. 1 to 15 can be manufactured, and the manufactured smart IC module (2000) can be placed inside the receiving portion (3110).

[0257] The receiving portion (3110) may have a step. For example, the inner wall of the receiving portion (3110) may have a step. Preferably, the receiving portion (3110) may have a width in an area corresponding to the upper portion of the smart IC card (3000) greater than a width in an area corresponding to the lower portion of the smart IC card (3000). Accordingly, the receiving portion (3110) may include a first portion having a first width and a second portion having a second width greater than the first width. In addition, the second portion of the receiving portion (3110) may receive a chip (1100) and a molding member (1200) provided in the smart IC module, and the remaining components of the smart IC module excluding at least a portion of the chip (1100) and the molding member (1200) may be received in the first portion of the receiving portion (3110). Accordingly, the embodiment can further dramatically reduce the thickness of the smart IC card and enable the chip (1100) to be inserted more stably into the smart IC card.

[0258] At this time, an antenna pattern (AP) may be arranged on the main body (3100). In detail, the antenna pattern (AP) may be arranged in a coil shape at the edge of the main body (3100).

[0259] At this time, the second part (132, 137) of the antenna pads provided in the smart IC module (2000) can be connected to the antenna pattern (AP) arranged on the main body (3100) described above. An IC card including a smart IC module according to this operates as a contactless card, a combination card, or a hybrid card.

[0260] The smart IC module (2000) is inserted into the receiving portion (3110). The smart IC module (2000) and the main body (3100) are bonded by an adhesive layer (3120). As a result, the smart IC module (2000) is inserted into and fixed in the receiving portion (3110).

[0261] The first protective layer (3210) is disposed on the upper portion of the main body (3100). The first protective layer (3210) may include a transparent material. The first protective layer (3210) may include a transparent resin material. The first protective layer (3210) may be disposed as at least one layer. That is, the first protective layer (3210) may include multiple layers.

[0262] The second protective layer (3220) is disposed at the lower portion of the main body (3100). A magnetic stripe may be disposed on the second protective layer (3220). The second protective layer (3220) may include a transparent material. The second protective layer (3220) may include a transparent resin material. The second protective layer (3220) may be disposed as at least one layer. That is, the second protective layer (3220) may include a plurality of layers.

[0263]

[0264] The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the above-described embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to just one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. exemplified in each embodiment can be combined or modified in other embodiments by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Therefore, the contents related to such combinations and modifications should be construed as falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0265] In addition, although the above description focuses on embodiments, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will appreciate that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiments. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. In addition, differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A substrate including one side and a side opposite to said one side; and Including a conductive pattern portion arranged on the above-mentioned one side of the above-mentioned substrate; A smart IC substrate, wherein the ratio of the hydrophilic functional group on one side of the substrate is different from the ratio of the hydrophilic functional group on the other side of the substrate.

2. In paragraph 1, A smart IC substrate, wherein the ratio of hydrophilic functional groups on the other surface of the substrate is greater than the ratio of hydrophilic functional groups on the one surface of the substrate.

3. In paragraph 2, A smart IC substrate, wherein the hydrophilic functional group comprises at least one of CO, C=O, and OC=O.

4. In paragraph 2, A smart IC substrate, wherein the ratio of CC functional groups on the other side of the substrate is smaller than the ratio of CC functional groups on the one side of the substrate.

5. In paragraph 3, A smart IC substrate, wherein the ratio of OC=O on the other side of the above-mentioned substrate is 1.3 times or more the ratio of OC=O on the one side of the above-mentioned substrate.

6. In paragraph 3, A smart IC substrate, wherein the surface roughness of the one side of the above-mentioned substrate satisfies a range of 95% to 105% of the surface roughness of the other side of the above-mentioned substrate.

7. In paragraph 1, A smart IC substrate, wherein the surface energy of the other side of the above substrate is greater than the surface energy of the one side of the above substrate.

8. In paragraph 7, A smart IC substrate, wherein the surface energy of the other side of the above substrate is 1.3 times or more the surface energy of the one side of the above substrate.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above description includes a through hole penetrating the one side and the other side, A smart IC substrate, wherein at least one of the ratio of hydrophilic functional groups and the size of surface energy on the inner surface of the through hole of the above substrate is greater than the ratio of hydrophilic functional groups and the size of surface energy on the one surface of the above substrate.

10. In paragraph 9, The above through hole includes a plurality of through holes spaced apart from each other, The surface of the above-mentioned substrate includes a first region surrounded by the plurality of through holes, and a second region disposed outside the first region, A smart IC substrate, wherein the other surface of the above-mentioned substrate includes a region in which at least one of the ratio of hydrophilic functional groups and surface energy changes from the first region to the second region.

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