HBM Connector Layout for Extended ASIC Offset Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current semiconductor integration technologies face challenges in accommodating extended high-bandwidth memory (HBM) offsets due to geometric and spatial limitations, particularly when dealing with IC size mismatches and vertical disparities, which affect routing efficiency and signal integrity.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of semiconductor devices with an increased number of connectors on the HBM that cover a broad distance to establish connections with the ASIC, allowing for extended HBM offsets without increasing IC dimensions, and the intelligent selection of HBM connectors to minimize routing lengths and enhance signal integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If HBM is offset from ASIC to accommodate IC size variations, then design flexibility is improved, but routing efficiency and signal integrity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidsignal integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a buffer die as an intermediary layer between HBM and ASIC, adding a new dimensional level to the interconnection architecture. This buffer die enables extended HBM offsets by providing additional routing pathways and signal buffering capabilities, thus maintaining signal integrity while accommodating larger design offsets.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer die serves as an intermediary component that mediates the connection between HBM and ASIC. It provides signal buffering, routing, and conditioning functions that maintain signal integrity over extended offset distances, resolving the contradiction between design flexibility and signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If HBM offset is extended to accommodate IC size mismatches, then adaptability is improved, but routing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidrouting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the interconnection path into multiple stages: HBM to buffer die, buffer die to ASIC, with intermediate routing layers. This segmentation distributes routing complexity across multiple manageable segments rather than requiring a single complex long-distance route, making the system more adaptable while controlling overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer die acts as an intermediary that simplifies routing complexity by providing standardized interface layers and routing pathways. It absorbs much of the routing complexity in managing extended offsets, presenting simpler interfaces to both HBM and ASIC while enabling greater adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If connector distance is increased to accommodate offset, then design flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer die intermediary includes active buffering and signal conditioning circuits that refresh and retime signals during transmission. This reduces signal degradation over long distances, allowing extended connector distances for design flexibility while managing power consumption through efficient signal regeneration rather than requiring excessive transmission power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes in the buffer die, such as voltage level adjustment, signal timing optimization, and impedance matching, to optimize power consumption for extended connector distances. These parameter adjustments enable longer offsets while controlling the increase in power consumption through efficient signal management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4471771A1Systems and methods for semiconductor devices with extended high-bandwidth memory (HBM) offsets
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD
  • EP4471771A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4471771A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4471771A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The subject technology is directed to systems and methods for semiconductor devices with extended high-bandwidth memory (HBM) offsets. In a specific embodiment, the subject technology provides an apparatus that includes a circuit comprising a first connector and a second connector. The circuit is configured to send a first signal using the first connector to indicate a first selection. The apparatus further includes a first memory device comprising a first selector and a third connector and a fourth connector. The first selector is configured to couple the third connector to the second connector based on the first signal. The one or more connectors of the first memory devices cover a broad distance to ensure robust connectivity between the circuit and the first memory device. There are other embodiments as well.