Photon-Counting Detector TSV Layout for Thinner, Lower-Power Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photon-counting detectors face challenges in stability, reliability, power consumption, and manufacturing cost, necessitating improvements for enhanced performance and cost-effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

The photon-counting detector design omits a substrate between the sensor layer and the chip, utilizing silicon through-holes (TSVs) for signal transmission, reducing thickness and improving reliability and stability while lowering power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a substrate is used between the sensor layer and the chip, then structural support is provided, but package thickness increases and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidpackage thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the substrate component from the detector structure, directly bonding the chip to the sensor layer. This extraction of the substrate eliminates the need for additional structural support while reducing overall package thickness and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of the substrate and the bonding interface by directly bonding the chip to the sensor layer. This integration eliminates the need for a separate substrate while maintaining structural integrity and reducing the number of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If a substrate is used between the sensor layer and the chip, then structural support is provided, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the substrate component from the detector structure, directly bonding the chip to the sensor layer. This extraction of the substrate eliminates the need for additional structural support while reducing overall package thickness and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of the substrate and the bonding interface by directly bonding the chip to the sensor layer. This integration eliminates the need for a separate substrate while maintaining structural integrity and reducing the number of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If traditional connection methods are used between sensor layer and chip, then connection is achieved, but power consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection methods (such as wire bonding or bump bonding) with a direct bond interface between the chip and sensor layer. This substitution eliminates intermediate connection structures that consume power, achieving reliable signal transmission with reduced power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 design reduces package thickness, simplifies manufacturing, lowers power consumption, and enhances reliability, thereby improving the overall performance and cost-effectiveness of the detector.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor layer, a chip and a substrate. The sensor layer is configured to detect incident radiation photons and generate electrical signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4420168B1Photon-counting detectors for detecting radiation
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE
  • EP4420168B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4420168B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4420168B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

A photon-counting detector includes a sensor layer (201, 251), a chip (202, 252, 300, 350), and a substrate (203, 253). The sensor layer (201, 251) may be configured to detect incident radiation photons and generate electrical signals. The chip (202, 252, 300, 350) may be electrically connected with the sensor layer (201, 251) and include a plurality of connection components through the chip (202, 252, 300, 350) and one or more processing circuits (304, 354), wherein each of the one or more processing circuits (304, 354) are electrically connected with one or more parts of the sensor layer (201, 251) through at least one of the plurality of connection components. The substrate (203, 253) may be electrically connected with the chip (202, 252, 300, 350).