Partitioned Package Substrate Layout to Mitigate ASIC Warpage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing complexity and cost of advanced semiconductor packaging, particularly for large-die ASICs, due to low production yield and warpage issues in package substrates, necessitate a cost-effective and reliable solution.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor package using substrate block integration (SBI) with a partitioned package substrate composed of discrete substrates arranged side-by-side, connected through conductive elements like micro-bumps or copper pillars, and adjoined with a gap-filled adhesive, allowing for improved flexibility and reduced warpage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a large-die ASIC is packaged using traditional advanced packaging methods, then the package can accommodate the large die, but the production yield decreases and warpage issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage substrate areaVSAvoidproduction yield
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The package substrate is divided into multiple smaller substrate blocks (first substrate block, second substrate block, third substrate block, fourth substrate block) arranged in a 2x2 grid pattern. Each substrate block independently supports a portion of the large-die ASIC, preventing warpage and improving production yield while maintaining the ability to accommodate the large overall package area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If a large-die ASIC is packaged using traditional advanced packaging methods, then the package can accommodate the large die, but warpage issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage substrate areaVSAvoidsubstrate warpage
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate is segmented into multiple smaller substrate blocks that are arranged in a grid pattern. This segmentation reduces the continuous substrate area, thereby minimizing thermal expansion differences and mechanical stress that cause warpage, while still providing sufficient support for the large-die ASIC

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different substrate blocks can have different properties optimized for their local requirements. The substrate blocks are connected through conductive elements that provide both mechanical support and electrical connectivity, allowing local optimization of each block while maintaining overall package stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If traditional packaging methods are used for large-die ASICs, then the package structure is simple, but the design flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage structureVSAvoiddesign flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented substrate block structure enables modular design where each substrate block can be independently configured and optimized for specific functions. This modularity provides design flexibility for accommodating different die configurations, interconnect requirements, and thermal management needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall package structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate blocks serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical support for the ASIC, establish electrical connections through conductive elements, enable thermal management pathways, and offer design flexibility for different package configurations. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without proportionally increasing structural complexity

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

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 design flexibility, reduces production costs, and mitigates warpage issues, while maintaining electrical connectivity and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

the discrete substrates are adjoined together by using an adhesive that fills into the gap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the at least one integrated circuit die is electrically connected to the partitioned package substrate through a plurality of conductive elements. Preferably, the conductive elements comprise micro-bumps, copper bumps or copper pillars

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

A plurality of solder balls is mounted on a second surface of the partitioned package substrate opposite to the first surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSoldering: Soldering

Data Source

PatentEP4322206A1Semiconductor package using substrate block integration
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 MEDIATEK INC
  • EP4322206A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4322206A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4322206A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A semiconductor package (1) includes a partitioned package substrate that is composed of multiple discrete substrates (10a, 10c, 10e) arranged in a side-by-side manner. The discrete substrates (10a, 10c, 10e) include a central substrate (10e) and peripheral substrates (10a, 10c) surrounding the central substrate (10e). At least one integrated circuit die (20) is mounted on a first surface (S 1) of the partitioned package substrate. A plurality of solder balls (SB) is mounted on a second surface (S2) of the partitioned package substrate opposite to the first surface (S 1).