Direct Chip Bonding for Thin High-Throughput Stacking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current chip-to-wafer and chip-to-chip bonding processes using solder balls or copper pillars result in increased chip thickness and require additional materials, limiting throughput and performance.

Innovation Solution

A direct bonding method and device that eliminates the need for solder balls or copper pillars by using a direct bond, such as a metal-to-metal solid-state bond, which is performed at low temperatures without a liquid phase, ensuring high bond strength and cleanliness of the bonding surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional bonding methods (e.g., eutectic bonding, anodic bonding, fusion bonding) are used to bond chips to substrates, then bonding strength can be achieved, but the process becomes complex, time-consuming, and requires specialized equipment and cleanroom environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex thermal and chemical bonding processes with a mechanical bonding approach. A recess is formed in the substrate, and the chip is mechanically inserted and retained within this recess structure, eliminating the need for eutectic bonding, anodic bonding, or fusion bonding equipment and processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate is segmented by forming a recess that creates a physical cavity. This recess structure divides the bonding interface into distinct regions: the chip seating area within the recess and the surrounding substrate surface, allowing for simplified mechanical retention without complex bonding processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional bonding processes are used, then chips can be bonded to substrates, but the bonding process takes a long time and reduces manufacturing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The recess is pre-formed in the substrate before chip attachment. This preliminary structural preparation allows for direct mechanical insertion and retention of the chip, eliminating the need for time-consuming bonding processes during the assembly stage and significantly improving manufacturing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If conventional bonding methods are used, then chips can be attached to substrates, but the process requires specialized equipment and cleanroom environments, increasing manufacturing cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical retention through recess formation with conventional thermal/chemical bonding methods. This mechanical approach can be implemented with standard manufacturing equipment without requiring specialized bonding equipment or controlled cleanroom environments, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3590130B1Method and device for bonding chips
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 EV GRP E THALLNER GMBH
  • EP3590130B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1g
  • EP3590130B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2e
  • EP3590130B1 patent drawingFigure 2f~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for bonding chips (7) to a substrate (11') or to further chips, characterized in that the chips (7) are bonded by a direct bond to the substrate (11') or to the further chips.