MEMS Package Two-Peak Epoxy Structure for Glass Stress Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

MEMS device packages face reliability issues due to excessive stress from epoxy coatings, leading to delamination, cracking, and failure in mechanical testing, particularly when fragile materials like glass panels are involved.

Innovation Solution

A two-peak epoxy profile is constructed by applying multiple layers of glob top epoxy, with post-placement processes to distribute stress over a larger area, reducing the magnitude of stress on fragile components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single layer of epoxy coating is applied to encapsulate wire bonds, then the encapsulation is simple and quick, but the stress concentration causes delamination and cracking of fragile components like glass panels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage reliabilityVSAvoidepoxy application complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single epoxy layer is segmented into multiple sub-layers (first epoxy layer, second epoxy layer, third epoxy layer) with different thicknesses and stress distribution characteristics. This segmentation allows stress to be distributed across multiple interfaces rather than concentrated in one layer, preventing delamination and cracking while maintaining encapsulation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different epoxy layers are applied with different local qualities - the first epoxy layer has greater thickness for stress distribution, while subsequent layers have reduced thickness. This local quality variation optimizes stress management at different depths, protecting fragile components without compromising overall package reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple layers of epoxy are applied to distribute stress, then the stress on fragile components is reduced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestress on glass panelVSAvoidepoxy application ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The epoxy application process is segmented into multiple discrete steps, each applying a specific layer with controlled thickness. This segmentation enables precise control over stress distribution while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized layering procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first epoxy layer is applied preliminarily to establish the stress-distributing foundation before subsequent layers are added. This preliminary action creates a stress-management structure that protects fragile components from the outset, making the overall manufacturing process more reliable despite increased complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the epoxy layer thickness is increased to cover wire bonds, then the encapsulation is more complete, but the stress concentration increases causing component failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire bond encapsulationVSAvoidepoxy stress on component
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The total epoxy thickness required for complete wire bond encapsulation is segmented across multiple layers. Each layer contributes to the overall coverage while distributing the stress burden, achieving both complete encapsulation and stress reduction through the multi-layer architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The epoxy structure exhibits local quality variation where the first layer provides greater thickness for stress distribution, while subsequent layers provide thinner coverage. This local quality optimization ensures complete wire bond encapsulation while minimizing stress concentration on fragile components at critical interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 two-peak epoxy profile effectively reduces stress on MEMS device packages, enhancing reliability by preventing delamination and cracking during mechanical testing.

Implementation Method 1

applying a first post gel heat treatment to the first epoxy layers; applying a second post gel heat treatment to the first epoxy layers and the second epoxy layers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS12365584B2Methods and apparatus for electronic device packaging
Publication Date: 2025.07.22 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC
  • US12365584B2 patent drawing
  • US12365584B2 patent drawing
  • US12365584B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An example method of producing a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) package, the method comprising: applying first epoxy layers to a first substrate, at least one of the first epoxy layers coupled to a second substrate; applying a first post gel heat treatment to the first epoxy layers; after applying the first post gel heat treatment to the first epoxy layers, applying second epoxy layers to the second substrate and to the first epoxy layers; and applying a second post gel heat treatment to the first epoxy layers and the second epoxy layers.