Semiconductor Module Asymmetric Mounting for Line Density Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor modules face issues with increased line density due to parallel connections of semiconductor devices and insufficient mounting margins, particularly when integrating memory devices and register buffers, leading to complex line layouts and potential interference.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor module design where DRAMs and register buffers are mounted on both surfaces of a multilayer substrate with diagonal connections via conductors, optimizing line layout to reduce density and equalize line lengths, and ensuring sufficient mounting margins by aligning long sides of DRAMs with the substrate's long direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If semiconductor devices are arranged in two rows along the long side direction with the same mounting direction in each row, then line density is reduced and line length is equalized, but address signal lines must meander in narrow space causing increased line density

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline layout complexityVSAvoidline density
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by alternating the mounting directions of semiconductor devices in adjacent columns. Specifically, devices in odd-numbered columns are mounted in a first direction while devices in even-numbered columns are mounted in a second direction that differs by 90 degrees. This asymmetric arrangement allows signal lines to connect to devices in both directions, eliminating the need for meandering lines and reducing line density while maintaining equal line lengths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Quantity of substance

If a mixture of horizontal and vertical semiconductor devices are mounted to reduce line density, then line density is reduced, but mounting margins become insufficient in the short side direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline densityVSAvoidmounting margin
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the mounting direction of semiconductor devices location-dependent. Devices in odd-numbered columns are mounted in a first direction while devices in even-numbered columns are mounted in a second direction. This localized variation in mounting direction optimizes line density in the column direction while preserving sufficient mounting margins in the row direction, as all devices in the same row maintain consistent spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2544230B1Semiconductor module and module substrate
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 LONGITUDE LICENSING LTD
  • EP2544230B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2544230B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2544230B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a semiconductor module that includes a module substrate and a plurality of semiconductor devices mounted on the module substrate. Among the semiconductor devices, two of the semiconductor devices adjacent in a first direction differ in a mounting direction by 180°. Among the semiconductor devices, two of the semiconductor devices adjacent in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction differing in a mounting direction by 180°.