Semiconductor Die Position Checkers for 3D Stack Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

In three-dimensional semiconductor package stacking, existing technologies face challenges in accurately checking and ensuring the proper positioning of stacked semiconductor dies, which can lead to defects and failures during the wire bonding process due to misalignment and inadequate separation distances.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of position checkers on the package substrate, including reference and limit patterns, to indicate allowable ranges for the sides of each die, ensuring accurate alignment and separation, thereby preventing die stack failures and subsequent wire bonding collisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If three-dimensional stacking of semiconductor dies is implemented to achieve high-speed operation and large-capacity data processing, then productivity and functionality are improved, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to positioning difficulties and alignment errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing capacityVSAvoiddie positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Position checkers are disposed on the package substrate before die stacking to establish reference frameworks in advance. These checkers include reference patterns and limit patterns that define allowable position ranges, enabling preliminary establishment of positioning criteria before the actual stacking process occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Position checkers serve as intermediary reference structures between the package substrate and the semiconductor dies. These checkers include reference patterns indicating ideal positions and limit patterns indicating boundary positions, acting as mediators to transfer and verify positioning information during the stacking process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If three-dimensional stacking is implemented to enhance functionality, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases making position verification and quality control more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional integrationVSAvoidstacking verification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The position verification system is segmented into multiple independent position checkers, each responsible for verifying the position of a specific die. Each position checker includes reference patterns and limit patterns that can be independently evaluated, allowing complex multi-die stacking verification to be broken down into simpler, manageable checks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The position checkers are self-contained structures disposed on the package substrate that automatically provide reference frameworks for die positioning. The reference patterns and limit patterns inherently define allowable position ranges without requiring external verification systems, enabling the structure to verify its own positioning requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If conventional stacking methods are used without position checkers, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to misalignment and inadequate separation distances causing wire bonding failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidwire bonding success rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Position checkers are disposed on the package substrate to preemptively prevent positioning errors before they occur during die stacking. By establishing reference patterns and limit patterns in advance, the system proactively counteracts potential misalignment issues that would otherwise lead to wire bonding failures and reliability problems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS12033952B2Semiconductor packages including at least one die position checker
Publication Date: 2024.07.09 SK HYNIX INC
  • US12033952B2 patent drawing
  • US12033952B2 patent drawing
  • US12033952B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A semiconductor package may include a first die disposed on a package substrate, a second die stacked on the first die, and a first position checker disposed on the package substrate. The first position checker may indicate a first position allowable range in which a first side of the first die can be located.