Sapphire Substrate Layout for Compact Edge Computing Modules

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing edge computing devices with silicon carrier substrates require multiple bonding steps due to the opaque nature of silicon, limiting the ability to mount components on both sides of the substrate and increasing the device footprint.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing a transparent or partially transparent sapphire substrate allows for the mounting of input and output devices on both sides of the substrate, reducing the number of bonding steps and minimizing the device footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a silicon carrier substrate is used, then the device structure is stable and reliable, but multiple bonding steps are required and the device footprint increases due to the opaque nature of silicon

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structure stabilityVSAvoidnumber of bonding steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameter (transparency) of the substrate material from opaque silicon to transparent sapphire, enabling light to pass through the substrate and eliminating the need for multiple bonding steps while maintaining structural reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the light-blocking property from the substrate system by replacing silicon with sapphire, thereby removing the constraint that caused multiple bonding steps and allowing components to be mounted on both sides of the substrate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a silicon carrier substrate is used, then the device structure is stable, but the device footprint increases due to the inability to mount components on both sides

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structure stabilityVSAvoiddevice footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameter (transparency) of the substrate material from opaque silicon to transparent sapphire, enabling light to pass through the substrate and allowing components to be mounted on both sides, thereby reducing the device footprint while maintaining structural stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-sided component mounting approach to a dual-sided mounting approach by utilizing the transparent properties of sapphire, effectively utilizing the third dimension (depth/through-substrate) to reduce the footprint area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The use of a sapphire substrate enables a reduction in the size and number of manufacturing steps for edge computing devices, allowing for more compact and efficient designs.

Implementation Method 1

a photovoltaic cell that receives light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12205936B2Silicon on sapphire substrate for edge computer

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A computing device is provided. The computing device includes a sapphire substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposed to the first surface, a light receiving device having a first surface and a second surface opposed to the first surface, the second surface of the light receiving device coupled to the first surface of the sapphire substrate, a memory coupled to the first surface of the light receiving device, and an antenna coupled to the first surface of the sapphire substrate.