Interposer-Coupled Semiconductor Module With Fluid Heat Sink

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional semiconductor power modules have high development efforts and limited flexibility, making it challenging to increase power density effectively.

Innovation Solution

The electronic module incorporates a semiconductor package with a die carrier, electrical conductor, encapsulant, interposer layer, and a fluid heat sink, where the interposer layer is embedded in or attached to the heat sink, allowing for improved heat dissipation and flexibility in module design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional semiconductor power modules are constructed on a semiconductor bare die assembly, then the module structure is simple, but the development effort is high and flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidmodule structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The module is divided into separate functional components: a semiconductor package (with bare die assembly) and a heat sink, connected through an interposer layer. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and enables flexible reconfiguration for different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An interposer layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the semiconductor package and the heat sink. This interposer layer provides mechanical support, electrical connection, and thermal conduction, enabling flexible module design while maintaining structural integrity and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If power density is increased in semiconductor power modules, then system output power increases, but heat dissipation becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower densityVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The semiconductor package is directly coupled with the heat sink through the interposer layer, merging the power-generating component with the heat-dissipating component into an integrated thermal management system. This reduces thermal resistance and improves heat dissipation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The interposer layer serves as a thermal intermediary with high thermal conductivity, efficiently transferring heat from the semiconductor package to the heat sink, thereby managing the thermal challenges associated with increased power density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an interposer layer is added between the semiconductor package and heat sink, then flexibility and heat dissipation improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interposer layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical support, electrical connection, and thermal conduction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall device complexity while maintaining design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The interposer layer utilizes composite material structures (such as DCB or AMB) that integrate multiple functional properties into a single component, achieving flexibility and thermal performance without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 configuration reduces development efforts and enhances flexibility, enabling higher power density and efficient heat management in semiconductor power modules.

Implementation Method 1

a heat sink through which a cooling medium can flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

the interposer layer is one of an isolated metal substrate (IMS), a direct copper bond (DCB), or an active metal braze (AMB)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3852138B1An electronic module comprising a semiconductor package connected to a fluid heatsink
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 INFINEON TECH AUSTRIA AG
  • EP3852138B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3852138B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3852138B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3E

AI summary

An electronic module (100) comprises a semiconductor package (10) comprising a die carrier (11), a semiconductor transistor die (12) disposed on the die carrier (11), at least one electrical conductor (13) connected to the semiconductor die (12), and an encapsulant (14) covering the die carrier (11), the semiconductor die (12), and the electrical conductor (13) so that a portion of the electrical conductor (13) extends to the outside of the encapsulant (14), and the module (100) further comprises an interposer layer (13), wherein the semiconductor package (10) is disposed on the interposer layer (20), and a heat sink (30) through which a cooling medium can flow, wherein the interposer layer (20) is disposed on the heatsink (30).