Semiconductor Element Unit With Flat Eutectic-Bonding Electrode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor devices face challenges in achieving reliable electrical connection between the semiconductor element and the drive circuit board due to difficulties in forming ohmic contact and maintaining a smooth contact surface, which can be compromised by high-temperature annealing processes.

Innovation Solution

The semiconductor element unit is manufactured with a first electrode having an extremely flat surface that forms eutectic bonding with the semiconductor element, and the assembly is designed to maintain this flatness during high-temperature processing, allowing for stable electrical connection without additional annealing on the circuit board.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If annealing process is executed to form ohmic contact between electrode and semiconductor element, then electrical conductivity is improved, but smoothness of electrode contact surface deteriorates due to heat influence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidsmoothness of contact surface
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode contact surface is formed to be extremely smooth in advance, before the annealing process. This preliminary formation of the smooth surface allows the subsequent annealing to achieve ohmic contact without compromising the surface smoothness, as the smoothness is already established prior to heat treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The process is segmented into distinct stages: first forming the smooth electrode surface, then performing annealing to create ohmic contact. This segmentation allows each process to be optimized independently - the surface formation process ensures smoothness while the annealing process ensures electrical conductivity, without one compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If annealing process is executed while electrode is in contact with both semiconductor element and drive circuit board, then ohmic contact is formed, but drive circuit board may be damaged due to high temperature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidheat damage to circuit board
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ohmic contact between the electrode and semiconductor element is formed in advance, before the electrode is mounted onto the drive circuit board. This preliminary formation of electrical connection allows the subsequent mounting process to occur at lower temperatures that will not damage the circuit board, while still achieving the required electrical conductivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The annealing process is performed beforehand to pre-establish the electrical connection, cushioning against the need for subsequent high-temperature processing after mounting. This prior cushioning protects the circuit board from heat damage while ensuring electrical conductivity is already established.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If electrode contact surface is made extremely smooth to ensure good contact with terminal part, then contact reliability is improved, but ability to form ohmic contact with semiconductor element becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact reliability with terminal partVSAvoidease of forming ohmic contact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The smooth contact surface is formed in advance, before attempting to form ohmic contact. This preliminary preparation of the surface makes the subsequent ohmic contact formation easier, as the smooth surface facilitates uniform heating and contact during the annealing process, rather than creating manufacturing difficulties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method ensures excellent electrical conductivity between the semiconductor element and the drive circuit board while preventing damage to the circuit board, ensuring reliable and efficient electrical connection without the need for post-mounting annealing.

Implementation Method 1

the electrode and the semiconductor element in contact with each other is placed in an environment at high temperature (e.g., approximately 600 [°C]). When the annealing process is executed appropriately, the semiconductor element forms eutectic bonding with the electrode and reaches a state of the so-called ohmic contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEutectic bonding:

Implementation Method 2

it is possible to execute the so-called annealing process in which the electrode and the semiconductor element in contact with each other is placed in an environment at high temperature (e.g., approximately 600 [°C])

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnnealing: Annealing

Data Source

PatentEP4068399B1Semiconductor element unit and semiconductor element unit supply substrate, and semiconductor packaging circuit.
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 OKI ELECTRIC INDUSTRY CO LTD
  • EP4068399B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4068399B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP4068399B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3E

AI summary

A semiconductor element unit (1, 201) includes a semiconductor element (2, 202); and a first electrode (3, 203) having a flat first electrode mounting surface (3B, 203B) whose surface roughness is less than or equal to 10 [nm] and forming eutectic bonding with the semiconductor element (2, 202) in a part different from the first electrode mounting surface (3B, 203B). A semiconductor element unit supply substrate (40, 240) includes one or more semiconductor element units (1, 201). A semiconductor packaging circuit (50, 250) includes the semiconductor element unit (1, 201).