Integrated Shield Structure in Fan-Out Packaging for EMI Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for shielding semiconductor devices from electromagnetic interference are costly and impractical, particularly when using pre-formed copper lids or fully embedded copper shields in packaging processes.

Innovation Solution

A conductive wall is formed on a redistribution structure and a conductive cap is disposed on the encapsulant, both electrically connected to create a shield structure that protects the semiconductor die from electromagnetic interference using efficient wafer-level or panel-level processing techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If pre-formed copper lids or fully embedded copper shields are used for electromagnetic shielding, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shield structure is divided into multiple segments including a first conductive wall formed on the redistribution structure, a second conductive wall formed on the encapsulant, and interconnecting conductive elements. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured and positioned independently, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shield structure transitions from traditional three-dimensional enclosed shields to a planar configuration where conductive walls are formed on opposite surfaces of the encapsulant. This dimensional simplification reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining electromagnetic shielding capability through the conductive path between walls.

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional encapsulation processes are used without integrated shielding, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but electromagnetic shielding effectiveness is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference protectionVSAvoidpackaging structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shield structure is merged with the encapsulation package by forming conductive walls directly on the redistribution structure and encapsulant surfaces. This integration combines the protective encapsulation function with the electromagnetic shielding function into a single unified structure, avoiding the need for separate shield components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive walls serve multiple functions: they provide electromagnetic shielding, act as structural components of the package, and can be electrically connected to ground references. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated shield components, simplifying the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conductive walls are formed on both sides of encapsulant with interconnecting elements, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive walls are formed on the redistribution structure and encapsulant during the encapsulation process itself, before final assembly. This preliminary formation of shield structures allows subsequent steps to focus solely on interconnection, improving overall manufacturing efficiency by avoiding post-assembly shield installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Conductive elements serve as intermediaries connecting the first and second conductive walls, providing both electrical connection and mechanical bonding. This intermediary approach simplifies the manufacturing process by combining multiple functions (electrical connection, mechanical attachment, shielding continuity) into a single element.

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 shields semiconductor devices from electromagnetic interference while being cost-effective and practical, allowing for the production of efficiently shielded packaged semiconductor devices.

Implementation Method 1

a shield structure configured to protect the semiconductor die from electromagnetic interference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS11742252B2Shielded fan-out packaged semiconductor device and method of manufacturing
Publication Date: 2023.08.29 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US11742252B2 patent drawing
  • US11742252B2 patent drawing
  • US11742252B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Several aspects of the present technology are directed toward fan-out packaged semiconductor devices having an integrated shield. The shield can include a conductive wall and a conductive cap over a redistribution structure. The shield can surround or at least partially enclose circuits placed or formed on the redistribution structure. The circuits and/or the conductive cap can be covered by an encapsulant, and the conductive cap can be on an upper surface of an encapsulant.