Leadframe Die Paddle Standoffs for Uniform Bond Line Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Die pad tilt in semiconductor packages leads to solder fatigue, non-uniform bond line thickness, and potential die movement during reflow, affecting reliability and uniformity of the adhesive layer.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating mechanical standoffs on the leadframe to maintain die distance and ensure a uniform adhesive layer, formed from a single piece of conducting material, which can be created using processes like stamping, etching, or laser ablation, to prevent die tilting and ensure coplanarity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If mechanical standoffs are added to the leadframe to maintain die distance, then bond line thickness uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebond line thickness uniformityVSAvoidleadframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The leadframe is segmented into multiple functional components: the base leadframe structure and multiple mechanical standoffs positioned at specific locations. This segmentation allows the standoffs to independently maintain die spacing while the leadframe provides overall structural support, resolving the contradiction by distributing the spacing function across discrete elements rather than requiring complex overall redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Mechanical standoffs serve as intermediary elements between the leadframe and the die. These standoffs mediate the spacing relationship, providing a simple mechanical intervention that achieves uniform bond line thickness without requiring complex adjustments to either the leadframe or die structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If die size is increased to accommodate higher power requirements, then power handling capability is improved, but die stability during reflow deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower handling capabilityVSAvoiddie stability during reflow
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than uniformly increasing die size across the entire device, mechanical standoffs provide localized support at critical spacing points. This allows the die to maintain its larger size for power handling while the standoffs locally counteract any tilting or instability during reflow processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical standoffs act as counterbalancing elements that offset the gravitational and thermal stresses affecting larger dies during reflow. By positioning standoffs strategically, they create a counterbalancing effect that prevents die tilting despite the increased mass and thermal load of larger power devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Strength

If adhesive layer thickness is increased to compensate for die tilting, then die attachment strength is improved, but bond line thickness uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedie attachment strengthVSAvoidbond line thickness uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Mechanical standoffs perform the preliminary action of establishing correct die spacing and preventing tilting before the adhesive bonding process occurs. By pre-positioning the die at the correct height and orientation, the standoffs eliminate the need for excessive adhesive thickness compensation, allowing thin uniform adhesive layers to achieve adequate bond strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4418316A1Die paddle standoffs in semiconductor packages
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 NEXPERIA BV
  • EP4418316A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4418316A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4418316A1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4d

AI summary

A leadframe (202) for a semiconductor package is proposed, comprising one or more mechanical standoffs (204) for placing a die (208) at a distance from the leadframe defined by a height of the standoffs and for enabling an adhesive layer (206) between the leadframe and the die for bonding the die to the leadframe. The leadframe includes a substantially planar surface and the standoffs protrude from this surface. Surrounding perimeters, if present, of the leadframe are lower than the standoffs. The leadframe and the standoffs are a one-piece of conducting material and form a die paddle.