Multi-Layer Encapsulation for RF Transistor Amplifiers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

RF transistor amplifiers face challenges in high-frequency applications due to heat management issues, which affect their performance and reliability, and existing packaging solutions may not adequately address the coupling between input and output connections, leading to inefficiencies in impedance matching and harmonic termination.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer encapsulation is introduced, featuring a dielectric layer and a conductive layer that reduces coupling between input and output connections, and includes functional electric circuits such as impedance matching and harmonic termination circuits, as well as antenna elements, to enhance heat dissipation and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional packaging solutions are used for RF transistor amplifier die, then the device can be protected and mounted, but heat dissipation is insufficient and coupling between input and output connections occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance reliabilityVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional packaging to a three-dimensional multi-layer encapsulation structure. The encapsulation includes multiple dielectric layers and conductive layers stacked vertically, with the RF transistor amplifier die mounted on a submount at the bottom layer. This vertical stacking enables integrated heat dissipation pathways through the layers and reduces input-output coupling by spatially separating connections in the third dimension, simultaneously addressing both heat management and signal integrity issues.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional packaging is used, then the RF transistor amplifier die can be mounted, but coupling between input and output connections leads to impedance matching inefficiencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting capabilityVSAvoidimpedance matching efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a submount as an intermediary component between the RF transistor amplifier die and the mounting surface. The submount serves as a mediator that provides both mechanical support for mounting and electrical isolation to reduce coupling between input and output connections. Additionally, the multi-layer dielectric and conductive structure acts as an intermediary field management system that controls electromagnetic fields to improve impedance matching efficiency while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If simple encapsulation is used, then the structure remains simple, but functional circuits for impedance matching and harmonic termination cannot be integrated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencapsulation structure complexityVSAvoidfunctional circuit integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-layer encapsulation structure where each layer serves multiple functions. The dielectric layers provide both mechanical encapsulation protection and serve as substrates for forming conductive circuits for impedance matching and harmonic termination. The conductive layers simultaneously provide electrical connections, RF shielding, and functional circuit elements. This multi-functionality allows the encapsulation to protect the die while integrating essential RF performance circuits, achieving both structural simplicity and functional versatility.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11677362B2Radio frequency transistor amplifiers having multi-layer encapsulations that include functional electrical circuits
Publication Date: 2023.06.13 MACOM TECH SOLUTIONS HLDG INC
  • US11677362B2 patent drawing
  • US11677362B2 patent drawing
  • US11677362B2 patent drawing

AI summary

RF transistor amplifiers are provided that include a submount and an RF transistor amplifier die that is mounted on top of the submount. A multi-layer encapsulation is formed that at least partially covers the RF transistor amplifier die. The multi-layer encapsulation includes a first dielectric layer and a first conductive layer, where the first dielectric layer is between a top surface of the RF transistor amplifier die and the first conductive layer.