Cap Layer Ground Plane for Overhang Die Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

The overhang die configuration in semiconductor packaging limits device density and complicates signal connections due to the difficulty in connecting the semiconductor die to the ground pad, which hinders the reduction of package footprint and increase in packaging density.

Innovation Solution

A cap layer is formed on top of the semiconductor die to act as a ground or power plane, with a cap bonding wire connecting the die to the cap layer, facilitating easier connections and maximizing die size without sacrificing the overhang configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If an overhang die configuration is used to maximize die size and reduce package footprint, then the packaging density is improved, but the difficulty of connecting the semiconductor die to the ground pad increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage footprintVSAvoidconnection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A cap layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the semiconductor die and the ground pad. This cap layer serves as a mediator that facilitates electrical connection while allowing the die to maintain its overhang configuration. The cap layer is connected to the ground pad through conventional means and provides a surface for wire bonding to the die, thus resolving the connection difficulty without compromising the compact package design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the semiconductor die is positioned to overhang the leads, then the packaging density is increased, but the complexity of the wire bonding process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging densityVSAvoidwire bonding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cap layer acts as an intermediary platform that simplifies the wire bonding process. Instead of attempting to bond wires directly to the overhanging die which creates complex routing challenges, the wire bonding is performed on the cap layer which provides a stable, accessible surface. This intermediary structure maintains the high packaging density achieved through the overhang configuration while significantly reducing the complexity of the wire bonding operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the die pad is used as the ground plane in a typical leadframe configuration, then the structure is simplified, but the packaging density is limited due to wasted space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidpackaging density
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar ground plane (the die pad) to a three-dimensional cap layer structure positioned above the die. This dimensional change allows the ground plane function to be separated from the mechanical support function, enabling the die to overhang the leads and maximize space utilization. The cap layer provides the ground plane functionality in a location that does not constrain the die positioning, thus achieving both structural simplicity and high packaging density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8536690B2Integrated circuit packaging system with cap layer and method of manufacture thereof
Publication Date: 2013.09.17 STATS CHIPPAC LTD
  • US8536690B2 patent drawing
  • US8536690B2 patent drawing
  • US8536690B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: attaching a semiconductor die to a die pad of a leadframe; forming a cap layer on top of the semiconductor die for acting as a ground plane or a power plane; and connecting the semiconductor die to the cap layer through a cap bonding wire.