Back Side Inductor Integration in Semiconductor Packages

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Solution Overview

Problem

The semiconductor industry faces challenges in integrating inductors into semiconductor device packages without additional processing steps, as existing methods require complex modifications to lithography masks and packaging processes, which can lead to interference with other components and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

The integration of inductors is achieved by forming them in the material layer of the back side interconnect structure of the package, avoiding conductive features over the inductor region and using a shielding plate to prevent interference, thus allowing for existing lithography masks and packaging processes to be modified without additional steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If inductors are integrated into semiconductor device packages using existing methods, then inductor functionality is achieved, but complex modifications to lithography masks and packaging processes are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinductor integration capabilityVSAvoidlithography mask and packaging process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the inductor formation process with the existing back side interconnect structure fabrication process. The inductor windings are formed simultaneously with the interconnect layers using the same lithography and deposition steps, eliminating the need for separate inductor fabrication processes and complex mask modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The back side interconnect structure serves multiple functions: it provides both the interconnect pathways for electrical signals and the inductor windings for magnetic field generation. This multi-functionality allows a single structure to fulfill both interconnection and passive component requirements without additional processing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex modifications are made to lithography masks and packaging processes, then inductor integration is achieved, but interference with other components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinductor integration capabilityVSAvoidinterference with other components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating an inductor region with specific properties distinct from other areas of the package. The inductor windings are localized to a specific region on the back side, with controlled trace patterns and spacing that optimize magnetic field confinement and minimize interference with adjacent components while maintaining standard fabrication processes elsewhere.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex modifications are made to lithography masks and packaging processes, then inductor integration is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinductor integration capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines inductor fabrication with existing interconnect structure manufacturing, utilizing the same lithography masks, deposition processes, and packaging steps. This merging eliminates the need for additional manufacturing equipment, process development, and quality control procedures that would otherwise be required for separate inductor fabrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing back side interconnect structure fabrication process serves dual purposes: creating interconnect pathways and forming inductor windings. The standard deposition and patterning processes automatically create the inductor structure as part of the interconnect layer, requiring no additional manufacturing resources or process steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9704739B2Semiconductor device packages, packaging methods, and packaged semiconductor devices
Publication Date: 2017.07.11 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD
  • US9704739B2 patent drawing
  • US9704739B2 patent drawing
  • US9704739B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Semiconductor device packages, packaging methods, and packaged semiconductor devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a package for a semiconductor device includes a back side interconnect structure, and a winding of an inductor disposed in a material layer of the back side interconnect structure. A molding material is coupled to the back side interconnect structure. The package includes an integrated circuit die mounting region disposed within the molding material.