Image Sensor Package Dam Structure for Flare Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image sensor packages face challenges in miniaturization and image quality due to flare phenomena caused by light reflection from the dam structure, which affects the compactness and performance of image sensors in various electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

The image sensor package incorporates a dam structure with a high light absorption layer on its inner wall and a transparent substrate, preventing light reflection and flare phenomena by absorbing light incident on the dam structure, thereby improving image quality and enabling miniaturization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a dam structure is used in the image sensor package, then the package structure is formed and light blocking is achieved, but light reflection from the dam structure causes flare phenomena that deteriorate image quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage structure formationVSAvoidflare phenomenon
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies black pigment to the dam structure, converting the harmful light reflection into beneficial light absorption. The black pigment absorbs stray light that would otherwise reflect and cause flare, transforming the dam structure from a source of optical interference into a component that actively prevents flare phenomena.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies light absorption treatment (black pigment) specifically to the dam structure where light reflection causes problems, rather than treating the entire package uniformly. This localized approach addresses the flare issue at its source while maintaining the overall package structure and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Volume of moving object

If the image sensor package is miniaturized to meet compact device requirements, then the package size is reduced, but light reflection from structural components increases flare phenomena

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage sizeVSAvoidflare phenomenon
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By applying black pigment to the dam structure in the miniaturized package, the patent converts the harmful effect of limited space (increased light reflection from close proximity components) into a benefit where the compact dam structure effectively absorbs stray light and prevents flare, enabling successful miniaturization without compromising image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the dam structure is made larger to improve light blocking, then light reflection is reduced, but the package size increases and compactness is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight reflectionVSAvoidpackage size
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameter of the dam structure by applying black pigment, which fundamentally alters its light interaction from reflection to absorption. This parameter change allows the dam structure to maintain effective light blocking with a smaller size, as the black pigment material property provides superior light absorption compared to relying solely on structural size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively reduces light reflection, enhances image sensor performance, and allows for the miniaturization of image sensor packages by preventing flare phenomena and improving image quality through the use of a dam structure with a high light absorption layer.

Implementation Method 1

a first light absorption layer on an inner wall of the dam main body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11894405B2Image sensor package
Publication Date: 2024.02.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11894405B2 patent drawing
  • US11894405B2 patent drawing
  • US11894405B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image sensor package includes a package substrate; an image sensor chip disposed on the package substrate; a dam structure disposed on the image sensor chip and including a dam main body having an opening and a first light absorption layer disposed on an inner wall of the dam main body; a transparent substrate on the dam structure; and an encapsulant contacting the image sensor chip and an outer wall of the dam main body.