RFID Tag Integrated Circuit Lead Frame Antenna

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the semiconductor industry, there is a need for efficient management and storage of administrative information and defect analysis results for integrated circuits after wafer-level testing, which is currently cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An integrated circuit with an RFID tag that uses a wire and lead frame metal antenna to store administrative information via radio frequency signals, eliminating the need for additional antenna structures and enabling efficient data transfer and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an RFID tag is integrated into the integrated circuit to store administrative information, then information management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation management efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the RFID antenna with the existing lead frame structure of the integrated circuit package. The lead frame, which is already necessary for electrical connections, is designed to also serve as the antenna for RFID communication. This integration eliminates the need for a separate antenna component, thereby improving information management efficiency while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lead frame is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the electrical connection structure for the integrated circuit and as the antenna for RFID tag communication. This multi-functionality allows the system to gain RFID capabilities without adding dedicated antenna structures, thus improving productivity while controlling device complexity.

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

2Reliability

If an additional antenna structure is added for the RFID tag, then RFID functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRFID functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID antenna is merged with the lead frame structure that is already present in the integrated circuit package. By utilizing the existing lead frame as the antenna, the patent eliminates the need for additional antenna components and their associated assembly steps, thereby maintaining RFID functionality while simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lead frame structure serves itself by performing dual functions: providing electrical connections for the integrated circuit and serving as the antenna for RFID communication. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate antenna components and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable RFID functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If administrative information is continuously updated after wafer level testing, then processing efficiency is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag is integrated into the integrated circuit before packaging, allowing administrative information to be written to the tag during or immediately after wafer level testing. This preliminary action enables continuous updating of information throughout the manufacturing process without requiring additional time for information management operations later, thereby improving processing efficiency while minimizing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution allows for easy accumulation and storage of administrative information, improving processing efficiency by continuously updating results after each test step, thereby enhancing the management of integrated circuits.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna of the RFID tag in the integrated circuit is formed of a wire and a lead frame metal so that an additional antenna structure is not required

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency signal transceiving: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8207823B2Integrated circuit and method for writing information
Publication Date: 2012.06.26 SK HYNIX INC
  • US8207823B2 patent drawing
  • US8207823B2 patent drawing
  • US8207823B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An integrated circuit is provided. The integrated circuit includes an RFID tag configured to store various administrative information after testing at a wafer level in response to a radio frequency signal, and an interface unit configured to perform the function of an interface between the integrated circuit and the RFID tag for storing the information in the RFID tag. An antenna of the RFID tag is formed using a wire and a lead frame. A method for writing information of an integrated circuit is also provided. The method includes the steps of performing a wafer processing of an integrated circuit having a RFID tag; performing a wafer level test of the integrated circuit; transmitting and receiving a radio frequency signal to store various administrative information in the RFID tag; and storing a chip confirmation code in the RFID tag.