Interconnect Bridge Trace Layout for Channel Timing Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face performance limitations due to the distance and time required for electrical signal transmission between dies, differences in routing times between channels, and incompatibilities caused by dissimilar contact patterns, which can lead to signal distortion, reduced data transfer rates, and interoperability issues.

Innovation Solution

The use of an interconnect bridge with lithographically formed electrical routing traces that include trace deviations to alter capacitance and resistance, minimizing differences in routing times and facilitating direct communication between dies with dissimilar contact patterns without the need for time delay circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If direct routing traces are used to connect dies, then signal transmission distance is reduced, but routing time differences between channels increase due to dissimilar contact patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission distanceVSAvoidrouting time consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing trace deviations specifically in channels that require additional routing time. Instead of uniformly designing all routing traces, the invention selectively modifies certain traces with deviations to equalize their electrical characteristics. This localized modification ensures that channels with dissimilar contact patterns achieve consistent routing times while maintaining direct connection benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of routing traces by introducing controlled deviations. These deviations alter the physical length and configuration of specific traces, thereby adjusting their electrical characteristics (capacitance, resistance, inductance) to compensate for differences caused by dissimilar contact patterns. This parameter adjustment enables routing time equalization across all channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If routing traces are modified to equalize routing times, then channel consistency is improved, but trace complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting time consistencyVSAvoidtrace configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by introducing trace deviations only in the specific channels that require additional routing time compensation. Not all channels are modified - only those with dissimilar contact patterns that result in shorter routing times. This selective approach achieves routing time equalization while minimizing the overall complexity increase in the interconnect bridge design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of manufacture

If dissimilar contact patterns are connected directly, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but signal transmission reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact pattern compatibilityVSAvoidsignal transmission stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The routing trace deviations act as intermediaries that mediate between dissimilar contact patterns. By introducing controlled geometric modifications in the trace design, the invention creates a transitional structure that compensates for the mismatches between different contact patterns. This intermediary approach enables reliable signal transmission across dissimilar interfaces while maintaining manufacturing flexibility.

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

This solution enhances the performance of electronic devices by reducing signal transmission time, ensuring consistent routing times across channels, and enabling seamless communication between components with different contact patterns, thereby improving data transfer rates and interoperability while reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the routing trace deviation is configured to alter one or more of capacitance or resistance of the first electrical routing trace and correspondingly alter the first routing time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

the routing trace deviation is configured to alter one or more of capacitance or resistance of the first electrical routing trace and correspondingly alter the first routing time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4300575A1Interconnect bridge with similar channel lengths
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 INTEL CORP
  • EP4300575A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4300575A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4300575A1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

An electronic device may include an interconnect bridge. The interconnect bridge may include a first electrical routing trace having a first routing length and a corresponding first transit time for a first electrical signal to transmit across the first routing length. The first electrical routing trace may transmit the first electrical signal along a major plane of the interconnect bridge between a first interconnect and a second interconnect. The interconnect bridge may include a routing trace deviation in communication with the first electrical routing trace. The routing trace deviation is outside a direct route between the first interconnect and the second interconnect. The routing trace deviation may alter one or more of capacitance or resistance of the first electrical routing trace and correspondingly alter the first routing time.