Integrated Capacitor Leadframe for Magnetic Sensor Noise Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional semiconductor packaging requires additional real estate on circuit boards for external components like capacitors, which increases the size of the package and complicates the assembly process, especially for magnetic sensors that need decoupling capacitors for noise reduction and electromagnetic compatibility.

Innovation Solution

Integrating capacitors directly onto the leadframe below the surface of the die, using conductive epoxy or solder to secure and electrically connect them, thereby reducing the vertical dimension of the package and minimizing the impact on the magnetic field sensitivity of magnetic sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external passive components like capacitors are used for magnetic sensors, then noise reduction and electromagnetic compatibility are improved, but the package size and circuit board real estate requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise reduction capabilityVSAvoidpackage size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the passive capacitor component with the leadframe structure by integrating the capacitor onto the leadframe substrate. The leadframe serves as both the structural support and the mounting platform for the capacitor, eliminating the need for separate external component placement. This integration maintains the noise reduction functionality while significantly reducing the overall package volume and circuit board footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If external passive components are used for magnetic sensors, then electromagnetic compatibility is improved, but the assembly process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic compatibilityVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The leadframe is designed as an integrated structure that combines the capacitor mounting function with the sensor package structure. The capacitor is mounted directly onto the leadframe during the packaging process, eliminating separate assembly steps for component placement, wiring, and mounting. This integration simplifies the assembly process while maintaining electromagnetic compatibility through proper capacitor placement and connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Length of stationary object

If capacitors are integrated onto the leadframe, then package thickness is reduced, but the magnetic field sensitivity may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage thicknessVSAvoidmagnetic field sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The leadframe is designed with spatially differentiated zones: areas with higher magnetic permeability are positioned away from the capacitor to maintain magnetic field sensitivity, while the capacitor is placed in regions where it does not interfere with the magnetic sensing elements. This local optimization of material properties and component placement allows thin package design while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitor is integrated onto the leadframe in a planar configuration that utilizes the available surface area rather than increasing vertical thickness. By distributing the capacitor structure across the leadframe plane and using thin-film capacitor technologies, the package thickness is minimized while maintaining the magnetic field sensitivity through careful positioning away from the sensing elements.

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

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 approach reduces the package thickness, enhances noise reduction capabilities, and optimizes the positioning of components, allowing for more compact and efficient magnetic sensor designs with improved sensitivity and reduced eddy current effects.

Implementation Method 1

using conductive epoxy or solder to secure and electrically connect them

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConduction (electrical): Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2041592B1Methods and apparatus for passive attachment of components for integrated circuits
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 ALLEGRO MICROSYSTEMS LLC
  • EP2041592B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2041592B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3B
  • EP2041592B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4D

AI summary

Methods and apparatus provide a sensor having an integrated component coupled to a leadframe. In one embodiment, a sensor includes external leads on an opposite side of a die from the integrated component. In another embodiment, a leadframe includes a slot to reduce eddy currents.