Semiconductor Package Laser Reflow for Low-Warpage PoP Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The semiconductor industry faces challenges in achieving high integration density and reducing warpage in semiconductor packages, particularly in Package-on-Package (PoP) technology, where indirect heating can cause wafer warpage and limit the effectiveness of bonding processes.

Innovation Solution

A multi-shot reflow process using a laser beam to selectively heat and bond semiconductor package components, minimizing indirect heating of the bottom component and reducing warpage by varying laser shot parameters to ensure precise and localized bonding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If indirect heating is used to bond semiconductor packages, then bonding can be achieved, but wafer warpage occurs and limits bonding effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding effectivenessVSAvoidwafer warpage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the heating process into multiple discrete laser shots rather than continuous indirect heating. Each laser shot is a separate, localized heating event that bonds specific regions independently, allowing precise control over thermal input and preventing cumulative warpage effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies localized heating through laser shots that target specific regions of the semiconductor package. By concentrating thermal energy only where bonding is needed rather than heating the entire wafer, the process achieves effective bonding while minimizing overall thermal stress and warpage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 3:

The patent uses periodic laser shots with controlled intervals between shots. This periodic heating allows thermal diffusion and cooling between pulses, preventing excessive heat accumulation that would cause warpage while maintaining bonding effectiveness through repeated localized heating cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Manufacturing precision

If laser beam heating is applied to bond package components, then bonding precision is improved, but warpage may occur due to localized thermal stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding precisionVSAvoidwafer warpage
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial heating by using multiple laser shots that collectively cover the bonding area rather than attempting to heat the entire region uniformly in one pass. This partial action approach achieves sufficient bonding precision in each localized area while distributing thermal stress to minimize warpage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls warpage by adjusting laser parameters such as power, pulse duration, and shot spacing. By optimizing these parameters, the process achieves precise bonding in each localized area while managing thermal input to prevent excessive warpage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple laser shots are used to bond different regions, then comprehensive bonding is achieved, but process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding coverageVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a single laser system that performs multiple bonding functions by moving to different positions and firing shots at different regions. This multi-functional approach achieves comprehensive bonding coverage without requiring multiple separate heating devices or complex tooling.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the bonding process into the temporal dimension by using sequential laser shots rather than simultaneous heating. This dimensional approach allows comprehensive coverage of multiple regions while maintaining a relatively simple single-laser system, as the complexity is managed through time-sequenced operations rather than spatial multiplicity.

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

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 multi-shot reflow process effectively bonds semiconductor packages with reduced warpage, enabling improved interconnect arrangements and enhanced integration density without significant heating of the bottom component.

Implementation Method 1

performing a first laser shot on a first portion of a top surface of the first package component, the first laser shot reflowing the first conductive connector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

the first laser shot reflowing the first conductive connector of the first region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflow: Melting

Implementation Method 3

the conductive material between the respective first region and the respective second region being reflowed by the respective laser shot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS20250316670A1Methods of forming semiconductor packages
Publication Date: 2025.10.09 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD
  • US20250316670A1 patent drawing
  • US20250316670A1 patent drawing
  • US20250316670A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In an embodiment, a method includes: aligning a first package component with a second package component, the first package component having a first region and a second region, the first region including a first conductive connector, the second region including a second conductive connector; performing a first laser shot on a first portion of a top surface of the first package component, the first laser shot reflowing the first conductive connector of the first region, the first portion of the top surface of the first package component completely overlapping the first region; and after performing the first laser shot, performing a second laser shot on a second portion of the top surface of the first package component, the second laser shot reflowing the second conductive connector of the second region, the second portion of the top surface of the first package component completely overlapping the second region.