Singulated RF Package Processing Plate With Apertures

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Solution Overview

Problem

In radio-frequency (RF) module manufacturing, processing singulated RF packages efficiently and accurately is challenging due to the need for precise positioning and handling of individual units, especially when conformal shielding layers are involved, as existing methods struggle to maintain alignment and facilitate dual-sided processing.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing a plate with apertures and tape-removal features to hold and process singulated RF packages, allowing for conformal shield deposition and enabling dual-sided processing by positioning packages inverted, with vacuum assistance and tape usage for secure holding and alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If singulated RF packages are processed individually, then positioning precision is improved, but processing productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidprocessing productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The plate is segmented into multiple apertures, each designed to receive and position a single singulated RF package. This segmentation allows individual positioning precision while maintaining the ability to process multiple packages simultaneously on one plate, thus resolving the contradiction between individual positioning accuracy and overall processing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple singulated RF packages are combined on a single plate with multiple apertures, enabling batch processing. This merging approach maintains the positioning precision of individual packages while significantly improving productivity by processing multiple units simultaneously through conformal shield deposition and other manufacturing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If conformal shielding layers are applied to singulated RF packages, then RF performance is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRF performanceVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plate with precisely positioned apertures performs preliminary positioning of singulated RF packages before conformal shield deposition. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and orientation, simplifying the subsequent shielding process and reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining RF performance through accurate conformal layer application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The plate acts as an intermediary device that facilitates the complex conformal shielding process. By providing a structured platform with positioned apertures, the plate simplifies handling and positioning of singulated packages during deposition, making the complex RF shielding process more manageable and efficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dual-sided processing is implemented, then package functionality is improved, but handling difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage functionalityVSAvoidhandling difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plate enables inversion of singulated RF packages for dual-sided processing. By designing apertures that accommodate packages in inverted orientation, the system facilitates access to both sides of each package, improving functionality through dual-sided component integration while the plate structure itself simplifies the handling complexity by providing stable support during orientation changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables high-precision, high-volume processing of singulated RF packages with accurate alignment and efficient conformal shielding, facilitating the formation of dual-sided RF packages and maintaining the integrity of shielding features during various manufacturing steps.

Implementation Method 1

The lower side can be configured to receive a tape such that the apertures expose respective portions of an adhesive side of the tape to thereby facilitate holding of the singulated RF packages positioned in the apertures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

The apertures can be dimensioned to receive and position the singulated RF packages to facilitate a conformal shield deposition process. The conformal shield deposition process can include a sputter deposition process.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSputtering: Sputtering

Data Source

PatentUS10211181B2Devices and methods related to singulated radio-frequency devices

Publication Date: 2019.02.19 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

Devices and methods for processing singulated radio-frequency (RF) units. In some embodiments, a device for processing singulated RF packages can include a plate having a plurality of apertures. Each aperture can be dimensioned to receive and position a singulated RF package to thereby facilitate processing of the singulated RF packages positioned in their respective apertures. In some embodiments, such a device can be utilized to batch process high volume of RF packages as if the RF packages are still in a panel format.