Microelectronic Device with Integrated Solid-State Energy Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microelectronic devices require dedicated energy sources for operation, limiting their miniaturization and autonomy in applications such as sensors and actuators, as they need to be tethered to a power source for sensing and wireless processing, which restricts their implementation in various industries.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a solid-state energy source within the microelectronic device package, allowing for self-sustaining operation by incorporating an energy device with electrodes and a frame, using materials like lithium-manganese-dioxide chemistry and polymer electrolytes, enabling wireless transmission and actuation without external power connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a dedicated energy source is included in the microelectronic device package, then the device can operate autonomously and perform wireless transmission, but the device size increases and requires more semiconductor substrate real estate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy source (battery) directly with the microelectronic device package, integrating it into the same substrate or housing. This combination eliminates the need for external power connections while minimizing the overall area by co-locating the energy source with the device components rather than separating them.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy source is nested within the device package structure, with the battery positioned inside or adjacent to the semiconductor substrate. This nesting approach allows the energy source to occupy space efficiently within the existing device footprint, reducing the total area required compared to external power supply arrangements.
2Extent of automation
If a dedicated energy source is included in the microelectronic device package, then the device can operate independently, but the device requires complex interconnection processes and assembly methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy source with the device package in a single integrated assembly, eliminating the need for complex external interconnections. The battery is positioned to directly interface with the semiconductor substrate through simplified bonding or contact methods, reducing assembly complexity compared to separate power supply connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated energy source provides self-contained power to the device, eliminating the need for external power delivery infrastructure. The device becomes self-sufficient with internal power generation and storage, removing the complexity of external power interconnections and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the microelectronic device is tethered to an external power source, then the device can operate with sustained power, but the device loses mobility and requires physical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the energy source within the device package, merging power supply functionality with the mobile device. This internal integration eliminates the need for external power connections while providing sustained operation, enabling true mobility without tethering to external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a self-contained energy source that provides autonomous power without requiring external connections. This self-service approach to power supply enables the device to operate independently and maintain mobility, eliminating the constraint of being tethered to an external power source.
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 enables the deployment of self-sustaining microelectronic devices in various applications, reducing setup time and psychological impact on users, while enhancing the feasibility of wireless data transmission and actuation, such as in animal monitoring and medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating an energy device with electrodes and a frame, using materials like lithium-manganese-dioxide chemistry
Implementation Method 2
incorporating an energy device with electrodes and a frame, using materials like lithium-manganese-dioxide chemistry and polymer electrolytes
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including an electronic device having a plurality of substantially collocated components, the plurality of components including an integrated circuit (IC) chip, an energy supply operable to electrically power the IC chip, and an energy harvesting (EH) device operable to convert non-electrical energy to electrical energy supplied to the energy supply. A material substantially encloses at least a portion of at least one of the IC chip, the energy supply, and the EH device.