Optical Semiconductor Module Integrated Resin Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and complexity of optical semiconductor modules, particularly in consumer and industrial equipment, stem from the need for precise assembly and multiple components, which increases material and manufacturing costs, and reduces reliability due to mechanical stress and assembly challenges.

Innovation Solution

An optical semiconductor module design that integrates an optical semiconductor element, a drive IC, and an electrode lead within a resin, with an interconnect layer for electrical connection, and a transparent resin for protection, allowing for simplified assembly and reduced component count, and using a lead frame with a plating treatment to minimize mechanical stress and enhance reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple components (optical semiconductor element, drive IC, electrode lead) are assembled separately, then electrical connection and functionality are achieved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the optical semiconductor element, drive IC, and electrode lead into a single integrated module where these components are arranged and fixed together on a substrate. The interconnect layer integrates electrical connections between all components, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it holds the optical semiconductor element, mount the drive IC, support the electrode lead, and provide the base for the interconnect layer. This multi-functional substrate reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall assembly process.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If precise assembly is performed to achieve proper electrical connection, then functionality is ensured, but manufacturing cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical semiconductor element, drive IC, and electrode lead are pre-arranged and pre-connected on the substrate before final module assembly. The interconnect layer is formed in advance to establish all necessary electrical pathways, reducing the precision requirements during final assembly and improving manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple separate components are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but material cost and component count increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional components (optical semiconductor element, drive IC, electrode lead) into a single integrated module structure. The interconnect layer provides electrical connections between all components within this unified structure, reducing the total component count and material usage while ensuring reliable electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional assembly methods are used, then components are connected, but mechanical stress and reliability issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidmechanical stress resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the assembly by using a flexible interconnect layer that can accommodate thermal expansion and mechanical stress. The interconnect layer is designed with appropriate thickness and material properties to absorb stress without compromising electrical connections, improving reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10541234B2Optical semiconductor module and method of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2020.01.21 KK TOSHIBA
  • US10541234B2 patent drawing
  • US10541234B2 patent drawing
  • US10541234B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to one embodiment, an optical semiconductor module is disclosed. The module includes an optical semiconductor. An electrode lead is arranged apart from the optical semiconductor element. A resin holds the optical semiconductor element and the electrode lead. An interconnect layer electrically or functionally connects the optical semiconductor element and the electrode lead. The optical semiconductor element and the electrode lead are embedded in the same surface side of the resin. A part of the interconnect layer is directly provided on the resin or provided on the resin via an insulating layer.