Bond Wire Impedance Matching Network for IC Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Physical implementation of impedance matching circuits in integrated circuits leads to non-ideal interactions such as mutual inductive coupling and increased reactive impedance, which complicates the stability and efficiency of functional circuits like broadband power amplifiers.

Innovation Solution

A configuration of bond wire connections and inductors is used to form a shunt inductor network over the die surface, with opposing current directions in bond wire pairs to cancel magnetic fields and minimize mutual inductance, and interleaved bond wire connections to reduce parasitic inductance and improve impedance matching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If impedance matching circuit is physically implemented in-package, then impedance matching effectiveness is improved, but mutual inductive coupling between components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpedance matching effectivenessVSAvoidmutual inductive coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the inherent inductance of bond wires, which were previously considered parasitic harmful elements, and intentionally configures them to form inductors for impedance matching. By converting these harmful inductive effects into useful matching inductors, the patent eliminates mutual inductive coupling problems while achieving impedance matching functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the impedance matching function from external discrete components and integrates it directly into the bond wire connections between the die and package leads. This extraction eliminates the need for separate matching components that would introduce additional mutual inductive coupling, thereby simplifying the structure and reducing harmful interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If impedance matching circuit is physically implemented in-package, then impedance matching effectiveness is improved, but reactive impedance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpedance matching effectivenessVSAvoidreactive impedance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the parasitic inductance of bond wires into useful matching inductors. By carefully selecting bond wire parameters and configurations, the inherent reactive impedance that was previously harmful is transformed into a beneficial element for achieving the desired impedance match at the operating frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes parameters such as bond wire diameter, length, material, and configuration to control the inductive reactance. By adjusting these parameters, the reactive impedance is tuned to provide the exact matching conditions needed, converting what was previously an uncontrolled harmful effect into a precisely controlled useful property.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If bond wire connections are used for impedance matching, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit structure complexityVSAvoidbond wire configuration precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the impedance matching function from complex external circuits and integrates it into the essential bond wire connections that are already required for electrical connectivity. This eliminates the need for additional matching components and reduces overall device complexity, while the precision requirements are managed through standardized bond wire specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The bond wire connections serve dual functions: providing essential electrical connectivity between the die and package leads, and simultaneously functioning as impedance matching inductors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate matching components, reducing device complexity while the manufacturing precision is controlled through universal bond wire specifications and configurations.

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

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration enhances the effectiveness of impedance matching by reducing mutual inductance and reactive impedance, improving the stability and operational bandwidth of integrated circuits by concentrating magnetic fields away from active areas and optimizing inductance levels.

Implementation Method 1

opposing current directions in bond wire pairs to cancel magnetic fields and minimize mutual inductance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

interleaved bond wire connections to reduce parasitic inductance and improve impedance matching

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParasitic inductance: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3098849B1Impedance matching configuration including bondwires
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 AMPLEON NETHERLANDS
  • EP3098849B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3098849B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3098849B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A package is provided. The package comprises a die and an impedance matching network. The die has a first terminal and a second terminal. The impedance matching network is coupled to the second terminal and comprises a first inductor and a first capacitor. The first inductor comprises first bond wire connections coupled between the second terminal and a first bond pad on the die, and second bond wire connections coupled between the first bond pad and a second bond pad coupled to the first capacitor.