Package Substrate Dk Region Layout for Mixed Signal Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing package substrates compromise signal performance due to conflicting routing demands for different segments, as they typically use uniform dielectric materials across layers, failing to optimize signal routing for both single-ended and differential I/O interfaces.

Innovation Solution

Implementing package substrates with distinct dielectric constant (Dk) regions, where single-ended routing traces are surrounded by high Dk materials and differential traces by low Dk materials, optimizing signal routing performance by controlling Dk in specific regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If uniform dielectric material is used across all routing segments, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but signal performance is compromised due to conflicting routing demands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedielectric material uniformityVSAvoidsignal performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing different dielectric materials with different dielectric constants (Dk values) in different regions of the package substrate. Specifically, breakout routing segments use a first dielectric material with a first Dk value, while main routing segments use a second dielectric material with a second Dk value. This allows each routing segment to have optimized signal performance characteristics tailored to its specific requirements, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and signal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the package substrate into different routing regions (breakout routing and main routing) with distinct dielectric materials. This segmentation allows independent optimization of dielectric properties for each routing type, enabling the breakout routing to have one Dk value optimized for its signal characteristics while the main routing has another Dk value optimized for its requirements, thereby improving overall signal performance without excessive manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If different dielectric materials are used for breakout and main routing segments, then signal performance is optimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal routing performanceVSAvoiddielectric stack-up configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by assigning different dielectric materials to specific routing segments (breakout vs. main routing) based on their signal performance requirements. The first dielectric material with first Dk value is used in breakout routing regions, while the second dielectric material with second Dk value is used in main routing regions. This localized differentiation optimizes signal performance for each segment while maintaining a manageable overall structure through systematic material assignment.

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

This approach enhances signal routing by reducing loss and impedance mismatch, enabling higher bandwidth and facilitating future bandwidth scaling for high-speed signaling.

Implementation Method 1

different dielectric constant (Dk) regions within a single dielectric layer... high Dk regions surround single-ended routing traces and low Dk regions surround differential routing traces, optimizing signal routing by controlling Dk values in specific regions to reduce routing loss and impedance mismatch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric constant (Dk): Dielectric Permittivity

Data Source

PatentEP3968367B1Optimal signal routing performance through dielectric material configuration designs in package substrate
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 INTEL CORP
  • EP3968367B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3968367B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3968367B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

Embodiments include semiconductor packages and methods of forming the semiconductor packages.