3D Stacked Semiconductor Package with TSV Interconnects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional semiconductor packages are inadequate, leading to excess cost, decreased reliability, and relatively low performance due to large package sizes.

Innovation Solution

A method for manufacturing semiconductor devices involves a substrate with leads and cavities, where an electronic component is placed in the cavity and encapsulated with a device encapsulant, allowing for efficient electrical coupling and protection while minimizing package size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional semiconductor packages are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but package size becomes too large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage sizeVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional planar packaging to three-dimensional vertical stacking architecture. Multiple semiconductor devices are stacked vertically on a substrate with through-silicon vias (TSVs) enabling inter-layer electrical connections. This dimensional change allows compact integration while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established semiconductor fabrication processes.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nested packaging where semiconductor devices are stacked within a compact package structure. The first and second semiconductor devices are positioned at different vertical levels, with interconnect structures nesting through the substrate. This nested arrangement minimizes package footprint while maintaining electrical connectivity between devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If conventional semiconductor packages are used, then manufacturing process is simplified, but reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoidpackage structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the semiconductor package into distinct functional segments: first semiconductor device, second semiconductor device, substrate, interconnect structures, and encapsulant. Each segment performs specific functions and can be independently optimized. The segmentation allows for modular assembly and testing, improving overall reliability while managing complexity through structured organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different material properties and structural characteristics to different regions of the package. The encapsulant provides environmental protection specifically where needed, TSVs provide electrical connectivity in specific locations, and the substrate provides mechanical support. This localized optimization of properties enhances reliability without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of moving object

If conventional semiconductor packages are used, then performance is maintained, but package size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage sizeVSAvoiddevice performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves high performance in a compact volume by utilizing the vertical dimension for device stacking. The three-dimensional architecture reduces the horizontal footprint while maintaining or enhancing performance through shorter interconnect paths and reduced parasitic effects compared to traditional planar layouts.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates through-silicon vias (TSVs) and interconnect structures during the substrate fabrication process before device assembly. This preliminary formation of electrical pathways enables subsequent device stacking without requiring complex post-assembly routing, thereby maintaining high performance while minimizing package size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20220115301A1Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices
Publication Date: 2022.04.14 AMKOR TECH SINGAPORE HLDG PTE LTD
  • US20220115301A1 patent drawing
  • US20220115301A1 patent drawing
  • US20220115301A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In one example, an electronic device comprises a first substrate comprising a base, an electronic component over the first substrate and comprising a top side and a bottom side, a first terminal and a second terminal on the top side, and a third terminal on the bottom side, wherein the third terminal is coupled with the first substrate. The electronic device further comprises a second substrate over the electronic component, and an encapsulant over the first substrate, contacting a lateral side of the electronic component and contacting the second substrate. A first lead is coupled with and extends over the base of the first substrate, a second lead of the second substrate is coupled to the first terminal of the electronic component, and the first lead and the second lead are exposed from a top side of the encapsulant. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.