Parallel IO Line Asymmetry for Semiconductor Pitch Optimization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor devices have limited spaces and pitches between input/output (IO) lines, which can restrict data transmission efficiency and increase manufacturing complexity.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor device design featuring a plurality of parallel IO lines with varying lengths, where the shortest IO line is adjacent to the longest IO line, maximizing space and pitch between them, allowing for increased data transmission efficiency and simplified fabrication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If IO lines are arranged with uniform lengths in conventional semiconductor devices, then manufacturing process is simplified, but space and pitch between IO lines are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace between IO linesVSAvoidcomplexity of IO line arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by arranging IO lines with different lengths in a non-uniform pattern. Specifically, the shortest IO line is positioned adjacent to the longest IO line, creating an asymmetric layout that maximizes the space and pitch between IO lines. This asymmetric arrangement resolves the contradiction by providing larger spacing without requiring complex manufacturing processes, as the different lengths are naturally achieved through the layout design rather than additional fabrication steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Productivity

If IO lines are arranged with small pitches to increase data transmission capacity, then data transmission efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by transitioning from a uniform one-dimensional arrangement to a two-dimensional asymmetric layout. By positioning the shortest IO line adjacent to the longest IO line and utilizing different length dimensions, the design achieves larger effective pitch and spacing while maintaining high data transmission capacity. This dimensional approach allows multiple IO lines to be efficiently packed without requiring excessively small pitches that would complicate manufacturing.

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

3Area of stationary object

If uniform IO line lengths are used, then device fabrication is simplified, but space utilization is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidfabrication precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by not starting with uniform lengths and then trying to create variations, but rather designing the IO lines with different lengths from the beginning as a fundamental layout principle. The shortest IO line is deliberately placed next to the longest IO line, and this inverted thinking pattern enables optimal space utilization. The fabrication process remains simple because the different lengths are inherent to the layout design rather than requiring complex precision control during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS7965533B2Semiconductor device including plurality of parallel input/output lines and methods of fabricating and using the same
Publication Date: 2011.06.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US7965533B2 patent drawing
  • US7965533B2 patent drawing
  • US7965533B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are semiconductor devices and methods for fabricating and using the semiconductor devices, wherein the semiconductor devices may include a first element, a second element, and a plurality of parallel IO lines connecting the first element with the second element. The plurality of IO lines may have different lengths and the shortest IO line from among the plurality of the IO lines may be adjacent to a longest IO line from among the plurality of the IO lines.