Embedded Power Die PCB With Nano-Wire Interconnect Thermal Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

The reliability of interconnections between power dies and copper pads on printed circuit boards is compromised by thermo-mechanical stress, leading to potential failure due to coefficient of thermal expansion mismatches and thermal gradients, and nano-wire interconnections can suffer from adhesion, conglomeration, and oxidation under heat and current.

Innovation Solution

The use of soft micro/nano copper wires with a high length-to-diameter ratio, forming a nano-wire forest, is enhanced by surface coating to prevent adhesion and oxidation, and a dielectric fluid is introduced to reduce thermal resistance, increase thermal capacitance, and prevent conglomeration, while flexible membranes allow for thermal expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If nano-wire interconnections are used to improve flexibility and absorb thermal expansion, then reliability under thermo-mechanical stress is improved, but adhesion and conglomeration occur under heat and current

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability under thermo-mechanical stressVSAvoidnano-wire structure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A dielectric fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance between the nano-wires and the environment. This fluid prevents direct contact between nano-wires, eliminating adhesion and conglomeration while maintaining the flexibility and thermal expansion absorption capabilities of the nano-wire interconnections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The dielectric fluid creates an inert environment around the nano-wires, protecting them from oxidation and chemical reactions under heat and current. This inert environment maintains the nano-wire structure stability while preserving their mechanical flexibility and electrical conductivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Strength

If conventional interconnection methods (soldering, sintering, direct copper deposition) are used, then strong electrical connection is achieved, but flexibility to absorb thermal expansion is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection strengthVSAvoidflexibility under thermal expansion
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the interconnection from rigid (conventional methods) to flexible (nano-wires). By using nano-scale dimensions and introducing a dielectric fluid, the system achieves both strong electrical connection and adaptability to thermal expansion through the flexible nano-wire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If the density of nano-wires is increased to improve current and heat transfer, then electrical and thermal conductivity is improved, but adhesion and conglomeration risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent and heat transfer capabilityVSAvoidresistance to adhesion and conglomeration
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dielectric fluid acts as a spacer and mediator between densely packed nano-wires, preventing adhesion and conglomeration even at high densities. This allows the system to achieve high current and heat transfer capability through increased nano-wire density without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively absorbs mechanical displacements, maintains interconnection flexibility, reduces thermal resistance, prevents nano-wire oxidation and conglomeration, and enhances the robustness of the power module under thermal and electrical stress.

Implementation Method 1

a dielectric fluid is introduced to reduce thermal resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

increase the thermal capacitance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal capacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

The mechanical displacements due to thermal effects between the die and the printed circuit board are absorbed by the nano wires

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3349551B1A printed circuit board embedding a power die and a method for manufacturing said printed circuit board
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC R&D CENTRE EUROPE BV
  • EP3349551B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3349551B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3349551B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention concerns a printed circuit board embedding a power die wherein interconnections between the power die and the printed circuit board are composed of micro/nano wires, the printed circuit board comprising a cavity wherein the power die is placed, and wherein the cavity is further filled with a dielectric fluid.