Embedded Semiconductor Module PCB Inner Space Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Semiconductor modules face issues with thermal expansion coefficient differences between semiconductor packages and printed circuit boards (PCBs) leading to crack generation in outer terminals, disconnecting electrical connections, and the difficulty in repairing or exchanging defective terminals due to molding members, which also result in increased module thickness.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor module design where the semiconductor package is received within an inner space of the PCB, surrounded by electrode patterns and insulating layers with exposed openings, eliminating the need for a molding member and allowing for easy repair or replacement of outer terminals, while maintaining a thin module thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a molding member is used to protect outer terminals, then protection from external impacts is improved, but ease of repair and device thickness are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from external impactsVSAvoidease of repair or exchange of outer terminals
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the molding member from the semiconductor package structure, extracting the protective function and replacing it with an alternative approach. The outer terminals are designed to extend directly from the PCB without requiring a molding member for protection, allowing easy access for repair and replacement while eliminating the thickness increase caused by molding encapsulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If outer terminals are mounted on PCB surface, then electrical connection is achieved, but thermal expansion coefficient difference causes cracks and disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidcrack generation in outer terminals
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds the outer terminals within recesses or inner spaces of the PCB structure rather than mounting them on the surface. This nesting approach allows the terminals to be surrounded and supported by the PCB material, distributing thermal stress and preventing crack propagation while maintaining electrical connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If semiconductor package is arranged on PCB surface, then mounting is achieved, but module thickness becomes very thick

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting of semiconductor packageVSAvoidmodule thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a surface-mounted configuration to a recessed or embedded configuration by utilizing the vertical dimension of the PCB. The semiconductor package and outer terminals are positioned within inner spaces of the PCB rather than on the surface, effectively reducing the overall module thickness while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized recessed mounting processes.

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

Data Source

PatentUS8111520B2Semiconductor module
Publication Date: 2012.02.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US8111520B2 patent drawing
  • US8111520B2 patent drawing
  • US8111520B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A semiconductor module can include a printed circuit board (PCB) and a semiconductor package inserted into an inner space of the PCB. The semiconductor package may be electrically connected to the PCB. The PCB may thus surround the semiconductor package so that cracks may not be generated in the outer terminals.