Leadframe Die-Pad Support Arm for Semiconductor Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing semiconductor packaging technologies face challenges in supporting larger semiconductor dies within the restricted area and layout rules, leading to instability during wirebonding and packaging processes due to the limited size of traditional die-pads and lead-pads.

Innovation Solution

A leadframe design with a die-pad having a base portion and an upper portion extending laterally, supported by a removable support arm that extends beyond the package dimensions, providing additional stability during packaging and later removed to comply with design rules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If a larger semiconductor die is used, then the die area increases, but the die-pad area is restricted by design rules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesemiconductor die areaVSAvoiddie-pad area
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The die-pad is designed with a two-level structure: a base portion resting on the assembly surface and an upper portion extending vertically above the base portion. This vertical extension into the third dimension allows the die-pad to support a larger semiconductor die area while the footprint on the assembly surface remains within design rule restrictions. The upper portion provides additional die mounting surface area without increasing the planar area occupied on the circuit board.

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

2Area of moving object

If the die-pad area is increased to support larger dies, then the die mounting area increases, but the stability during wirebonding deteriorates due to extended leadframe structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedie mounting areaVSAvoidleadframe stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The leadframe structure is segmented into distinct functional portions: a base portion that provides stability and rests on the assembly surface, and an upper portion that extends vertically to provide additional die mounting area. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize its function - the base portion maintains stability during wirebonding while the upper portion enables larger die support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If a support structure is added to stabilize the die-pad, then the stability during packaging improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedie-pad stabilityVSAvoidleadframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is merged with the die-pad itself, forming an integrated two-level structure where the base portion and upper portion are part of the same die-pad component. This eliminates the need for separate support elements and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the stability benefits during packaging and wirebonding processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2523211B1Leadframe and method for packaging semiconductor die
Publication Date: 2019.10.23 NEXPERIA BV
  • EP2523211B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2523211B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2523211B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method is provided for packaging a semiconductor die. A leadframe having a die-pad and one or more lead-pads is placed (502) on an assembly surface. The die-pad has a base portion (202) resting on the assembly surface, an upper portion (204) on the base portion extending laterally from the base portion, and a support arm (208) extending from and supporting the upper portion of die-pad. A semiconductor die (206) is wirebonded (504) to a top surface of the upper portion of the die-pad. The semiconductor die is wirebonded (506) to the one or more lead-pads (210). The semiconductor die and leadframe are encased (508) in a package material (802). The package material fills a space between the upper portion of the die-pad and the assembly surface. A portion of the support arm located in a cutting lane is removed (512).