Optoelectronic Module Frame Routing Electrical Contacts

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Solution Overview

Problem

The arrangement of multiple semiconductor chips in optoelectronic modules for achieving homogeneous luminance is complicated by interconnectability and contactability issues, leading to increased costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

The use of a frame made of potting compound to enclose semiconductor chips, with contact structures routed over the frame for electrical contacting, allowing for separate optical and electrical functions and enabling testing and reworking before attaching optical elements, and the incorporation of scattering and specular particles in the casting compound to reduce absorption losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple semiconductor chips are arranged on a substrate to achieve homogeneous luminance, then the luminance homogeneity is improved, but the interconnectivity and contactability become more complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminance homogeneityVSAvoidinterconnectivity complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrical contact function into separate contact structures that are independently arranged on the substrate. Each semiconductor chip has dedicated contact areas that are electrically contacted through separate conductive paths, allowing independent routing and simplifying the overall interconnection architecture while maintaining luminance homogeneity through proper chip arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer or structure between the semiconductor chips and the electrical contacts. This intermediary facilitates the electrical connection while allowing optical transparency, thus enabling both homogeneous luminance output and simplified electrical interconnectivity through a mediating element that handles both electrical and optical requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If multiple semiconductor chips are arranged on a substrate to achieve homogeneous luminance, then the luminance homogeneity is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminance homogeneityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into integrated structures. The contact structures serve both electrical contact and optical transmission functions, eliminating the need for separate components. This merging reduces the total number of manufacturing steps and components, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining homogeneous luminance output

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs contact structures that perform multiple functions simultaneously: electrical contact, optical transparency, and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the manufacturing process, making production more cost-effective while achieving homogeneous luminance across multiple semiconductor chips

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

3Reliability

If contact structures are applied directly to semiconductor chips, then electrical contactability is improved, but the optical function is compromised due to obstruction of the emissive surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical contactabilityVSAvoidoptical emission
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies contact structures only to specific localized areas of the semiconductor chip that are not part of the emissive surface. The contact structures are positioned on the peripheral or back surfaces of the chips, ensuring that electrical contactability is achieved without obstructing the optical emission area, thus maintaining both reliability and illumination intensity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If optical elements are attached before electrical testing, then the assembly process is simplified, but reworking and testing become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidreworking capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs electrical testing and contact structure application before attaching optical elements. This preliminary action allows for easy reworking and testing of electrical connections without the obstruction of optical components. Only after electrical functionality is confirmed are optical elements attached, maintaining assembly efficiency while enabling easy reworking when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method simplifies and cost-reduces the contacting process, allows for efficient electrical and optical function separation, and enhances light reflection and scattering, resulting in a more effective and cost-efficient optoelectronic module with homogeneous luminance.

Implementation Method 1

the incorporation of scattering and specular particles in the casting compound to reduce absorption losses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

the incorporation of scattering and specular particles in the casting compound to reduce absorption losses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2856523B1Method for producing an optoelectronic module
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 OSRAM OPTO SEMICON GMBH & CO OHG
  • EP2856523B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2856523B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2856523B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

An optoelectronic module (202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216) has at least one semiconductor chip (104) for emitting electromagnetic radiation (118). The semiconductor chip (104) has a layer having a first conductivity (120), in particular a p-conductivity, a layer having a second conductivity (124), in particular an n-conductivity, a radiation surface (108) and a contact surface (106) which lies opposite the radiation surface (108). A contact (110, 117) is attached to the radiation surface (108). A frame (103) made of a potting compound (102) laterally encloses the semiconductor chip (104) in at least some regions such that the radiation surface (108) and the contact surface (106) are substantially free of the potting compound (102). A first contact structure (114) is arranged in at least some regions on the frame (103) and in at least some regions on the contact surface (106) and can be used for electrically contacting the layer having a first conductivity (120). A second contact structure (116, 138) is arranged in at least some regions on the frame (103) and in at least some regions on the contact (110, 117) of the radiation surface (108) and can be used for electrically contacting the layer having a second conductivity (124).