Glass-Core IC Package Structure to Reduce Cracking and Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Glass cores in semiconductor substrate packages are prone to mechanical and thermal stress-induced cracking and separation due to CTE mismatch and tool contact, posing challenges for widespread adoption and increasing manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid reconstitution process using a protective frame and reinforcement materials, such as glass cloth prepreg or resin coated copper, is employed to encapsulate glass panels, combined with low CTE epoxy materials for enhanced protection and stability during manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If glass cores are used in semiconductor substrate packages, then mechanical rigidity and thermal properties are improved, but susceptibility to cracking and separation due to mechanical and thermal stress increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical rigidityVSAvoidresistance to cracking and separation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a compliant intermediate layer between the rigid glass core and the organic substrate layers. This layer acts as a stress-absorbing buffer that prevents direct transmission of mechanical and thermal stresses to the glass core, thereby preventing cracking and separation while maintaining the rigidity benefits of the glass core.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by creating a multi-layer structure that combines glass core with organic substrate materials and compliant intermediate layers. This composite approach allows the system to benefit from the high rigidity and thermal stability of glass while mitigating its susceptibility to stress-induced cracking through the complementary properties of the organic and compliant layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If glass panels are protected during manufacturing, then yield is improved, but manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing yieldVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by forming the compliant intermediate layer and protective framing structures before subsequent manufacturing steps that could subject the glass panels to stress. This pre-protective措施 ensures that the glass panels are shielded during critical manufacturing operations, improving yield without requiring complex in-process intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary compliant layer as a mediator between the glass core and the manufacturing environment. This intermediate layer absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses during handling and processing, protecting the glass panels from damage while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process flow.

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

The solution significantly reduces glass cracking and separation risks, improves yield, and lowers manufacturing complexity and costs by providing superior mechanical and thermal protection to glass panels.

Implementation Method 1

Glass cores in semiconductor substrate packages are prone to mechanical and thermal stress-induced cracking and separation due to CTE mismatch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCTE mismatch: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

A hybrid reconstitution process using a protective frame and reinforcement materials, such as glass cloth prepreg or resin coated copper, is employed to encapsulate glass panels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical reinforcement:

Data Source

PatentEP4672319A1Methods and systems for forming integrated circuit packages comprising glass layers
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 INTEL CORP
  • EP4672319A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4672319A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4672319A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus comprising a package substrate, the package substrate comprising a glass layer, a first layer comprising a photo-imageable dielectric (PID) material above the glass layer, a second layer below the glass layer, the second layer comprising the PID material, at least one buildup layer above the first layer, and at least one buildup layer below the second layer.