RF Package Launch Structures for Impedance-Matched Bump and Ball Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RF integrated device packages experience inefficiencies in the electrical interface between the integrated device die and the package substrate, leading to performance degradation due to mismatched impedances at the bump and ball interface regions, resulting in significant electrical energy loss.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of bump and ball launch structures that match the impedance of communication lines in the RF integrated device die with the impedance of the package substrate and system board, respectively, through the patterning of metal and dielectric layers to tune inductance and capacitance, thereby reducing parasitic losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional electrical interfaces are used between the integrated device die and package substrate, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but impedance mismatch occurs causing significant electrical energy loss and performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical energy lossVSAvoidlaunch structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating specialized launch structures with specific metal and dielectric layer configurations at the bump and ball interface regions. These localized structures have tuned inductance and capacitance values that differ from the rest of the package, providing impedance matching exactly where needed at the interfaces without complicating the entire package structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters by adjusting the inductance and capacitance of the launch structures through controlled patterning of metal and dielectric layers. By modifying these electrical parameters, the impedance of the launch structures is matched to both the die communication lines and the package substrate, minimizing energy loss at the interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If impedance matching structures are added to reduce energy loss, then electrical performance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the impedance matching function with the existing launch structures by integrating patterned metal and dielectric layers into the bump and ball interface regions. This combination approach allows impedance matching to be achieved without adding separate, discrete components, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while improving electrical performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-tuning the inductance and capacitance of the launch structures during the manufacturing process itself. The metal and dielectric layers are patterned in advance with specific geometries that provide the required electrical characteristics, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing adjustments or additional assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the launch structures are designed with precise impedance matching, then signal quality improves and VSWR decreases, but the design and fabrication complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpedance matching precisionVSAvoidlaunch structure design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the launch structures into distinct metal and dielectric layers with specific patterns. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each layer's contribution to the overall inductance and capacitance, enabling precise impedance matching while simplifying the fabrication process through standardized layer-by-layer construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 significantly enhances the electrical performance of RF packages by minimizing energy loss and improving signal quality through precise impedance matching, achieving a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of less than 3:1 in many cases.

Implementation Method 1

bump and ball launch structures that match the impedance of communication lines in the RF integrated device die with the impedance of the package substrate and system board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance matching:

Implementation Method 2

reducing parasitic losses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParasitic losses:

Implementation Method 3

through the patterning of metal and dielectric layers to tune inductance and capacitance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductance tuning: Inductor

Implementation Method 4

through the patterning of metal and dielectric layers to tune inductance and capacitance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance tuning: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3576146B1Launch structures for radio frequency integrated device packages
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 ANALOG DEVICES INC
  • EP3576146B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3576146B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3576146B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

Radio frequency integrated device packages having bump and/or ball launch structures are disclosed herein. The bump launch structures can comprise patterned metallic and insulating material that substantially matches the impedance of a radio frequency integrated device die. The ball launch structures can comprise patterned metallic and insulating material that substantially matches the impedance of a system board.